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San Juan
KNOWLEDGE OF San Juan
It has not been an easy road for Puerto Rico, a land rich in history. Many trials and tribulations have marked her peoples' historic journey. Their courage to endure and face new challenges and consistently struggle for a better life is very much a part of the social and cultural fabric. Their progress and successes after periods of disillusionment, defeat, and grief demonstrates the great character of the Puerto Rican people.
Archaic/Igneris Period
First to 5th Centuries A.D.
History indicates that the Archaics (nomadic descendants from the North American Indians) were the very first inhabitants of the island of Puerto Rico. Very little is known of their culture, however, so their legacy was minimal. The Igneri people followed, sailing in from what is now Venezuela. Their many skills made way for technical advancements. Their civilization built advanced canoes and used the soil to make pottery.
The Taíno People
From 1400 to 1492
After the Igneri era, the Arawaks inhabited Puerto Rico. They were known as the Taínos, a peaceful people armed with expert agricultural skills. Historians and archaeologists have uncovered their rich culture, which is today memorialized at the Tibes and Caguana Ceremonial Parks, in the municipalities of Ponce and Utuado, respectively. Many of today's Puerto Ricans are direct descendants from the Taínos.
European Discovery and Conquest
From 1493 to 1521
On the 19th of November 1493, Christopher Columbus first sighted the western shore of Puerto Rico. Some of his Spanish crew landed, but left shortly thereafter. It wasn't until 1508 when Juan Ponce de León and 50 of his compatriots arrived that the Spanish influence began to take hold. They established a small community, called Caparra, near what is known today as Guaynabo. By 1511, the Spanish began to move to a small islet across the bay from Caparra, which they then fortified. Ironically, it was first called Puerto Rico, while the country was named San Juan. The names were later reversed as we know them today. In 1518, due to a critical labor shortage, African slaves were brought over to the island. The Tainos were killed off earlier as a result of wars and famine.
Archaic/Igneris Period
First to 5th Centuries A.D.
History indicates that the Archaics (nomadic descendants from the North American Indians) were the very first inhabitants of the island of Puerto Rico. Very little is known of their culture, however, so their legacy was minimal. The Igneri people followed, sailing in from what is now Venezuela. Their many skills made way for technical advancements. Their civilization built advanced canoes and used the soil to make pottery.
The Taíno People
From 1400 to 1492
After the Igneri era, the Arawaks inhabited Puerto Rico. They were known as the Taínos, a peaceful people armed with expert agricultural skills. Historians and archaeologists have uncovered their rich culture, which is today memorialized at the Tibes and Caguana Ceremonial Parks, in the municipalities of Ponce and Utuado, respectively. Many of today's Puerto Ricans are direct descendants from the Taínos.
European Discovery and Conquest
From 1493 to 1521
On the 19th of November 1493, Christopher Columbus first sighted the western shore of Puerto Rico. Some of his Spanish crew landed, but left shortly thereafter. It wasn't until 1508 when Juan Ponce de León and 50 of his compatriots arrived that the Spanish influence began to take hold. They established a small community, called Caparra, near what is known today as Guaynabo. By 1511, the Spanish began to move to a small islet across the bay from Caparra, which they then fortified. Ironically, it was first called Puerto Rico, while the country was named San Juan. The names were later reversed as we know them today. In 1518, due to a critical labor shortage, African slaves were brought over to the island. The Tainos were killed off earlier as a result of wars and famine.
Chapi