PUERTO RICO
History | Food & Drink | Sports & Recreation | Sightseeing

Puerto Rico's History
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Christopher Columbus discovered Puerto Rico in 1493 during his second voyage to the New World. He landed on the northwestern part of the island and named the island San Juan Bautista. The island derived its present name, however, from the exclamation "Que puerto rico!" (What a rich port!), said to have been made by Juan Ponce de Leon upon entering the bay. He established the first settlement in 1508 and in 1510 was appointed the island's first governor.

Puerto Rico remained a loyal Spanish colony until 1897, when Luis Munoz Rivera obtained the Charter of Autonomy, which gave the island dominion status. However, before the charter could go into effect, the Spanish-American War broke out. In 1898 Puerto Rico became part of the United States. The Foraker Act of 1900 enabled the island to establish a civil government under the direction of a U.S.-appointed governor; in 1917 the Jones Act made Puerto Rican people citizens of the United States and provided for the creation of a local state. A Congressional resolution signed by President Truman in 1952 elevated Puerto Rico to the status of a free commonwealth associated with the United States.

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Puerto Rico's Food & Drink
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Fruits, vegetables, poultry and fish, prepared with a strong Spanish and island accent, are found in abundance. Fruit is often combined with main dishes for a tropical flavor. Tap water and milk are safe to drink.

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Puerto Rico's Sports & Recreation
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Both scuba diving and snorkeling are gaining in popularity with vacationers. The Caribbean, with its clear, warm water, is ideal for both sports. Coral reefs and cays in many areas provide natural harbors for an array of beautiful and exotic sea life - coral, sea horses, starfish, and tropical fish.

With 272 miles of coastline, the island is ringed with good beaches with public facilities. Steady trade winds provide excellent opportunities for boating and sailing, particularly in San Juan Bay.

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Puerto Rico's Sightseeing
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San Juan

One of the oldest capital cities in the Western Hemisphere, San Juan is the principal city of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. While in the capital, take time to tour the Bacardi Plant, the world's largest rum plant, the botanical gardens, and the capital building. Also, many tours take you back in time in Old San Juan. Settled in 1521, the seven-square-block area remains partially enclosed by walls, which once were believed necessary to protect San Juan Harbor. There are many government buildings and churches to tour to get a flavor of the old town.

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