History of Puerto Rico campaign in Timeline

The Puerto Rico campaign, a key event in the Spanish-American War, involved the U.S. military's invasion and subsequent occupation of Puerto Rico. The offensive began with a naval attack on San Juan on May 12, 1898, leading to a U.S. blockade of San Juan Bay. A Spanish counterattack on June 22nd, involving the cruiser Isabel II and the destroyer Terror, failed to break the blockade and resulted in damage to the Terror. The campaign ultimately resulted in the annexation of Puerto Rico by the United States and its cession by Spain.

1900: Military Government in Puerto Rico

In 1900, Puerto Rico was governed by Major General George Whitefield Davis, marking the end of a period where four military officers, including Miles, Brooke, and Henry, administered the island. These officers, veterans of the Indian Wars, faced the unprecedented challenge of governing an overseas territory, as the U.S. Army lacked prior experience in such administration.

1900: Foraker Act Establishes Civilian Government

In 1900, the Foraker Act replaced military rule with a civilian government in Puerto Rico. The act stipulated that key officials, including the governor and chief of police, would be appointed by the U.S. President and were to be Americans, thus limiting Puerto Rican autonomy.

1901: Allen becomes president of American Sugar Refining Company

In 1901, Charles H. Allen, the first civilian U.S. governor of Puerto Rico, became president of the American Sugar Refining Company, later known as Domino Sugar, leveraging his position to gain control over the Puerto Rican economy.

1916: Transfer of Rafael Martínez Illescas' Body to Spain

In 1916, the body of Rafael Martínez Illescas, who died in Coamo, was transferred to his hometown of Cartagena in Spain for burial.

May 17, 1932: U.S. Congress changes island name back to "Puerto Rico"

On May 17, 1932, the U.S. Congress officially changed the name of the island from "Porto Rico" back to "Puerto Rico", reverting a change that had been implemented by the military government.

1947: U.S. Grants Puerto Ricans Right to Elect Governor

In 1947, the U.S. granted Puerto Ricans the right to elect their own governor, marking a significant step towards self-governance.

1948: First Election of Governor

In 1948, Puerto Ricans exercised their newly granted right to democratically elect their own governor for the first time.

February 6, 1952: Approval of the Constitution of Puerto Rico by Constitutional Convention

On February 6, 1952, the Constitution of Puerto Rico was approved by a Constitutional Convention, a significant step in defining the island's political structure.

1992: Listing of Spanish American War Sites in Puerto Rico

In 1992, several structures and sites related to the Spanish-American War in Puerto Rico were listed as part of a multiple property submission under the title "Spanish American War in Puerto Rico" in the National Register of Historic Places, including sites like the S.S. Antonio Lopez Shipwreck, Guánica and Fajardo lighthouses, Silva Bridge and Yauco Battle Site.