History of Puerto Rico in Timeline
Puerto Rico, a self-governing Caribbean archipelago and unincorporated U.S. territory, is located approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. Situated between the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands, it comprises the main island and smaller islands like Vieques, Culebra, and Mona. Home to around 3.2 million residents, Puerto Rico is divided into 78 municipalities, with San Juan as the most populous and the capital. Both Spanish and English are official languages, although Spanish is more commonly used.
1900: Establishment of Civil Government
The Foraker Act of 1900 established a civil government in Puerto Rico, replacing military rule.
1906: Ortega v. Lara Supreme Court Ruling
In 1906, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Ortega v. Lara affirmed the application of the U.S. Constitution within Puerto Rico while upholding the validity of non-conflicting local laws.
1917: Puerto Ricans Granted U.S. Citizenship
In 1917, Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship through the Jones Act.
1917: Jones Act Grants Citizenship
The Jones Act of 1917 granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans.
1918: San Fermín Earthquake
The 1918 San Fermín earthquake and tsunami caused significant damage and loss of life in Puerto Rico, influencing political activism.
1931: Name Officially Changed Back to Puerto Rico
In 1931, the island's name, which had been changed to Porto Rico by the U.S. after the Spanish-American War, was officially changed back to Puerto Rico.
1950: Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act
The Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act of 1950 defined the relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States, outlining the island's governance structure and its relationship with the U.S. Congress.
July 25, 1952: Adoption of "Free Associated State" Name
On July 25, 1952, the official Spanish name "Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico" ("Free Associated State of Puerto Rico") was adopted.
1952: Puerto Rican Constitution Approved
In 1952, Puerto Rico's constitution was approved by the U.S. Congress and Puerto Rican voters.
1952: Approval of Territorial Constitution
In 1952, the U.S. Congress approved a territorial constitution for Puerto Rico, enabling residents to elect their own governor, senate, and house of representatives.
2009: UN Calls for Self-Determination Process
In 2009, the United Nations urged the U.S. to expedite a process for Puerto Rican self-determination.
November 2012: Referendum on Political Status
In November 2012, a referendum saw Puerto Ricans vote in favor of statehood as their preferred political status.
2016: PROMESA and Control Board
In 2016, President Obama signed PROMESA, establishing a control board over Puerto Rico's government.
September 7, 2017: Hurricane Irma
On September 7, 2017, Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 hurricane, struck Puerto Rico, causing widespread damage.
September 20, 2017: Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Maria, a Category 4 hurricane, devastated Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017, causing catastrophic damage to infrastructure and leading to a humanitarian crisis.
2017: Statehood Referendum
A statehood referendum was held in Puerto Rico in 2017, with a majority voting in favor, although the referendum was boycotted by some.
January 2020: Major Earthquake
In January 2020, Puerto Rico experienced a major earthquake, its largest since 1918, causing extensive economic losses.
November 2020: Statehood Referendum
In November 2020, a statehood referendum in Puerto Rico resulted in a narrow majority voting in favor of statehood.
2022: Puerto Rico Status Act in the House
In 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Puerto Rico Status Act, which would facilitate a binding referendum on the island's political status.
November 5, 2024: Non-Binding Referendum and Gubernatorial Election
On November 5, 2024, a non-binding referendum in Puerto Rico saw statehood win with 59% of the vote. Jennifer Gonzalez, a pro-statehood candidate, was elected governor in the same election.