History of Puerto Rico

Background: Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, the island was ceded by Spain to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. A popularly elected governor has served since 1948. In plebiscites held 1967, 1993 and 1998, voters chose to retain commonwealth status. Still, there are highly active movements promoting statehood and independence.

On March 1, 1954 Puerto Rican nationalists attacked the United States Capitol building, injuring five Representatives.

On January 24, 1975 a bomb exploted in Fraunces Tavern, New York City, killed four and injured more than 50. Puerto Rican nationalist and pro independence group FALN claimed responsibility.

On September 6, 1979 US President James Carter grants executive clemency, freeing Nationalists; Lolita Lebrón, Andrés Figueroa, Rafael Cancel Miranda and Irving Flores, who were in US prison since 1954

On January 11, 1981 the Los Macheteros pro independence and revolutionary group blew up 11 US jet fighters in the US military base Muñiz near San Juan.

On September 18, 1989 Hurricane Hugo strikes the island

On spring of 2000 more than 100,000 puertorricans protested in San Juan against the permanent establishment of the US military base in the island of Vieques(island municipality) after a civilian was killed by a bomb inside the US base and reports of ecological contamination were exposed.Civil disobedience and major protests put international pressure and in May of 2003 the US marine closed the Vieques military base after 60 years of use and gave puertorricans back the use of the land.

On May, 2001 Denise Quinones, Miss Puerto Rico wins the Miss Universe Pageant and Tito Trinidad wins world boxing championship title.

See also : Puerto Rico