Puerto Rico History

Puerto Rico was discovered in 1493. Juan Ponce de León explored the island in 1508 and established San Juan that same year. There were at least four attempts to bring the island under English control, one in 1595, and three in the 18th century.

As the spirit of revolt became more prevalent throughout the Spanish colonies, many who remained loyal to the Spanish crown immigrated to Puerto Rico, the last Spanish stronghold in the New World. Following the Spanish-American War in 1898, Puerto Rico was occupied by the United States. U.S. citizenship was granted to all Puerto Ricans in 1917. Today it remains as a territorial possession of the United States.