What was Puerto Rico called before?

San Juan Bautista
At first, Columbus named the island San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist). Yet the name was soon changed to Puerto Rico, or "rich port," when the Spanish realized the impressive amount of gold found in its rivers.

What year did we acquire Puerto Rico?

1898
They reached their goal in 1897; however, a year later Spain ceded the island to the United States under the provisions of the 1898 Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish–American War. In 1917, Puerto Rico became a US territory and its people became US citizens.

How long has Puerto Rico been around?

Originally populated by the indigenous Taíno people, Puerto Rico was colonized by Spain after the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493. It was contested by other European powers, but remained a Spanish possession for the next four centuries.

Why did the US get Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico only became a US territory after the Spanish-American War, which was ignited by the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898. The war ended with the US acquiring many of Spain's possessions, including Cuba, Guam, the Philippines and Puerto Rico.

When was the first settlement in Puerto Rico?

The following discussion focuses on Puerto Rican history from the time of European settlement. For treatment of the island in its regional context, see Latin America, history and West Indies, history of. The first inhabitants of Puerto Rico were hunter-gatherers who reached the island more than 1,000 years before the arrival of the Spanish.

What is the history and culture of Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico's life comes from more than 500 years of rich history and the subsequent blending of different cultures—a fusion that extends to almost every aspect of the island's identity. From the interweaving of Taíno, African and Spanish traditions emerged Puerto Rican, a new identity composed of features from all three groups.

When did Puerto Rico become part of the United States?

After the Spanish-American War ended in 1898, Puerto Rico and Guam were ceded to the United States as part of the terms of the Treaty of Paris, and Puerto Rico retains its provincial status to this day.

Who was the first person to live in Puerto Rico?

For treatment of the island in its regional context, see Latin America, history and West Indies, history of. The first inhabitants of Puerto Rico were hunter-gatherers who reached the island more than 1,000 years before the arrival of the Spanish. The Arawak Indians, who developed the Taino culture, had also settled there by 1000 AD.