It was not until 1521 that the Spanish Crown authorized the settlement to move to the islet. However, Ponce de León insisted on staying for reasons related to agriculture. Historical documents captured the concerns regarding the dangerousness of traveling between the town and the port, the lack of adequate ventilation, and the poor health conditions of the residents of Caparra. The ruins of that settlement remain today around seven miles from the islet. Eventually, the inhabitants insisted on moving the town to the islet, complaining that the settlement was too far from the dock where the ships from Spain arrived. You may know him for his continued search for the fountain of youth, but he became the first Spanish governor of the heart and soul of the Caribbean. Years after the rediscovery of Puerto Rico, in 1508, Juan Ponce de León arrived on the Island. Before his arrival, the native Taínos called their home Borikén. ![]() Did you know that San Juan and Puerto Rico’s names switched? The islet was first called Puerto Rico, and San Juan Bautista was the name given by the Spanish conquistador Christopher Columbus to the entire Island in 1493.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |