Spanish American War

 

DISCOVERY AND COLONIZATION


    In his second voyage in 1493, the Genoese Admiral Christopher Columbus arrived in the waters of a small island which he named The Island of St. John the Baptist, and which was known by its natives as Borikén (the land of the Brave Lord). Columbus declared the island to be the property of Spain, as the Spanish Crown had sponsored his voyages of discovery. Nevertheless, it was not until 1508 that Juan Ponce de León arrived with 50 men to begin the colonization of the island. The native Taínos, descendants of the Arahuacos, were gentle and hospitable with the Spaniards until they began to be abused by them. The Indians were forced to work like slaves in the mines and the lands from which they had been driven. Their women were also taken, causing them to rebel in 1511, but they could not overcome the firearms and superior armor of the Spanish invaders. Those indians who survived emigrated to other Caribbean islands.

     The first community to be established by Juan Ponce de León and his men when they arrived in Puerto Rico was located in a woodland area surrounded by hills and a swamp, and was given the name of Caparra. Today, the area is still known as Caparra, and is in the district of Guaynabo. Ponce de León liked the area and had a stone house constructed for his family. However, the other colonists disliked the chosen location and complained that it was unhealthy due to the mosquitos and was exposed to the dangers of attack by indians and pirates. Against the wishes of Ponce de León, the inhabitants sought authority from the Spanish Crown to transfer to the small island now called San Juan, but then known as Puerto Rico because of its fine bay. The Crown gave its permission and the same year that Ponce de León left for Florida, the colonists transferred to the islet.

     As soon as the Spaniards had transferred to their new location, they built a house for Ponce de León and his family to honor him for being the island's first Governor. Casa Blanca was the first stone house to be built on the islet and became the prime refuge against attack. Today, it is a museum of works of art and furniture of the period.

 

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San Juan National Historic Site, Fort San Cristobal, Norzagaray Street, San Juan, PR 00901
Telephone: (787) 729-6777
Last Update: March, 2000