-
Jan 1, 1493
Columbus
Columbus arrived on the island. -
Jan 1, 1511
Disease
European disease and mistratment begin to devastate the Taino population. -
Jan 1, 1513
Slaves
african slaves brought to the island -
Ginger
Ginger replaces sugar as Puerto Rico's cash crop -
Coffee arrives
Coffe arrives on the island. it is an importan export by this time -
Spanish Rule
Puerto Rico remains under Spanish Rule -
Economic Freedom
Spain grantes ample economic liberties to Puerto Ricans -
The Cry of Lares
Uprising against the Spanish rule that is suppresed but is a symbol for independence. -
Spanish-American War
The U.S. gains control of Puerto Rico. -
The Foraker Act
They can elect 30 delegates of the lower house but the U.S. presidents appoints the governor cabinet and all judges -
Olmsted Act
U.S. president plays a direct role in Puerto Rican affairs -
Jones Act
Puerto Rico is declared a U.S. territory -
Puerto Rican Immigration
Puerto Rican immigration to the U.S. begins -
Commonwealth Deal
Puerto Ricans can establish a constiution. -
Becomes a Commonwealth
Puerto Rico becomes a commonwealth -
Second Governor
Roberto Sanchez Vilella becomes the second elected governor. -
Luis Ferre
Luis Ferre- leader of the Pro-statehood party is elected governor -
Official Language
Puerto Rico declares Spanish the only official language. -
Reaffirmation
voters reaffirm Commonwealth status by a slim margin -
Reject Statehood
in a non-binding referendum, voters reject statehood once again, marking the third time in three decades that that statehood has been rebuffed -
Marines miss their targets
Puerto Rican officials lobby for an end to U.S. military exercises there -
Woman Governor
Sila M. Calderon is elected Puerto Ricos first woman governor