Full History Of Puerto Rico In Timeline From 1900

1900: Foraker Act establishes civil government

In 1900, the Foraker Act established a civil government in Puerto Rico, ending the rule by American generals and the Department of War.

1901: U.S. Government Assumes Control

In 1901, after the U.S. government assumed control of Puerto Rico, it initiated legal reforms, adopting codes of criminal law, criminal procedure, and civil procedure modeled after those then in effect in California.

1902: English-only language law

In 1902, there was an English-only language law in Puerto Rico.

March 1903: University of Puerto Rico founded

On 12 March 1903, the University of Puerto Rico was officially founded.

1906: U.S. Constitution applies within Puerto Rico

In 1906, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Ortega v. Lara affirmed that the U.S. Constitution applied within Puerto Rico's territory.

1907: Antonio Paoli Records an Opera

In 1907, Puerto Rican tenor Antonio Paoli became the first operatic artist to record an entire opera. He participated in a performance of Pagliacci in Milan, Italy.

1917: Puerto Ricans made U.S. citizens

In 1917, Puerto Ricans were collectively made U.S. citizens as a result of the Jones–Shafroth Act.

1917: Jones Act grants U.S. citizenship

In 1917, the Jones Act made Puerto Ricans U.S. citizens, paving the way for Puerto Rico's Constitution.

1917: Puerto Ricans included in U.S. compulsory draft

Since 1917, Puerto Ricans have been included in the U.S. compulsory draft when it has been in effect.

1918: San Fermín earthquake

In 1918, the San Fermín earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.5, struck off the coast of Aguadilla, causing widespread damage, losses, and an estimated 116 deaths.

1920: Jones Act enactment

A 2018 study concluded that the 1920 Jones Act has no impact on either retail prices or the cost of living on Puerto Rico.

1920: Culmination of Ponce Creole Architectural Style

By 1920, the Ponce Creole architectural style had fully developed in Ponce, Puerto Rico. This style, which blends French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences, was especially built to withstand the climate of southern Puerto Rico.

1920: Merchant Marine Act (Jones Act)

In 1920, the Merchant Marine Act, also known as the Jones Act, was enacted, preventing foreign-flagged ships from carrying cargo between two American ports.

September 1928: Lake Okeechobee Hurricane makes landfall

In September 1928, the Lake Okeechobee Hurricane (San Felipe Segundo) made landfall in Puerto Rico as a Category 5 hurricane.

1930: Baloncesto Superior Nacional Beginning

In 1930, Baloncesto Superior Nacional began and has experienced success since.

1931: Name changed back to Puerto Rico

In 1931, the name of the island was officially changed back to Puerto Rico through a joint resolution in Congress.

1937: Insular Territories Commemorated

In 1937, the United States issued a postal stamp commemorating Insular Territories. The stamp honoring Puerto Rico featured 'La Fortaleza', the Spanish Governor's Palace.

1940: Mita Congregation founded

In 1940, Juanita García Peraza founded the Mita Congregation, the first religion of Puerto Rican origin.

1943: Reliability of census data reviewed

In 1943, Irene Barnes Taeuber reviewed the reliability of census data from Spain in 1765, 1775, 1800, 1815, 1832, 1846 and 1857.

May 1945: Law No. 40 designated PRASA's existence

In May 1945, Law No. 40 designated the existence of the Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewers Authority (PRASA).

1948: First Olympic Medal

In 1948, Juan Evangelista Venegas won the first Olympic medal for Puerto Rico.

April 1949: First Free Election for Governor Commemorated

On April 1949, the first free election for governor of Puerto Rico was honored on a U.S. postal stamp, celebrating the election of Luis Muñoz Marín.

1950: Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act

In 1950, the U.S. Congress oversaw Puerto Rico under the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act.

1951: Puerto Rico Wins Gold at Baseball World Cup

In 1951, the Puerto Rico national baseball team won a gold medal at the Baseball World Cup.

1951: Río Piedras annexed

In 1951, the former independent municipality of Río Piedras was annexed to San Juan.

July 25, 1952: Official name adopted by constitutional assembly

On July 25, 1952, the Spanish official name, Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, was suggested by Luis Muñoz Marín and adopted by a constitutional assembly.

1952: Approval of territorial constitution

In 1952, Congress approved a territorial constitution for Puerto Rico, enabling residents to elect a governor, senate, and house of representatives.

1952: Constitution approved by Congress and voters

In 1952, Puerto Rico's Constitution was approved by Congress and Puerto Rican voters.

1952: First synagogue established

In 1952, the island's first synagogue, Sha'are Zedeck, was established by American Jews.

1952: Three main political parties since 1952

Since 1952, Puerto Rico has had three main political parties, the PPD, PNP and PIP.

1957: Puerto Rico Joins FIBA

In 1957, the Puerto Rico national basketball team joined the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

1960: Census questionnaire

Between 1960 and 1990, the census questionnaire in Puerto Rico did not ask about race or ethnicity.

September 1971: San Juan Commemorated on Stamp

On September 1971, San Juan, Puerto Rico, was commemorated with an 8-cent stamp on its 450th anniversary, featuring a sentry box from Castillo San Felipe del Morro.

1971: Florida municipality founded

In 1971, the most recent municipality, Florida, was founded in Puerto Rico.

1973: Roberto Clemente Enshrined

In 1973, Roberto Clemente was enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

1973: Bond Issuance Begins

The government had already been issuing bonds to balance its actual budget for four decades beginning in 1973.

1979: Pan American Games Hosted

In 1979, Puerto Rico hosted the Pan American Games, officially in San Juan.

October 1984: Pope John Paul II visited Puerto Rico

One Pope, John Paul II, visited Puerto Rico in October 1984.

1984: San Juan PPQ station interceptions

In 1984–2000 the San Juan PPQ station recorded 7.74% of all interceptions.

1985: Pathogen Interceptions Lower

Pathogen interceptions were dramatically (17%) higher 1999–2000 than in 1985–1986.

1986: Pathogen Interceptions Lower

Pathogen interceptions were dramatically (17%) higher 1999–2000 than in 1985–1986.

1990: Census questionnaire

Between 1960 and 1990, the census questionnaire in Puerto Rico did not ask about race or ethnicity.

1991: Autonomous Municipalities Act of 1991

In 1991, the Autonomous Municipalities Act was enacted, establishing that each municipality would have a mayor and a municipal legislature elected for four-year terms.

1992: Administrative relationship established

In 1992, President George H. W. Bush issued a memorandum establishing the current administrative relationship between the federal government and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

1992: FBI made armed carjacking a federal crime

In 1992, the FBI made armed carjacking a federal crime and rates decreased per statistics.

1993: Central American and Caribbean Games Hosted in Ponce

In 1993, Ponce hosted the Central American and Caribbean Games.

1993: U.S. Atlantic Command (LANTCOM)

In 1993, U.S. Atlantic Command (LANTCOM after) had authority over all U.S. military operations that took place throughout the Atlantic. Puerto Rico had been seen as crucial in supporting LANTCOM's mission.

1994: Gold at Goodwill Games

In 1994, the Puerto Rico national basketball team won gold at the Goodwill Games.

1997: Protestant population

In 1997, a researcher estimated a Protestant population of approximately 33 to 38 percent, the majority of whom are Pentecostal.

1998: Endemic species count recognized

As of 1998, the archipelago's endemic species count was recognized to include 239 plants, 16 birds, and 39 amphibians/reptiles.

1998: Religious poll

Pollster Pablo Ramos stated in 1998 that the population was 38 percent Catholic, 28 percent Pentecostal, and 18 percent independent churches.

1999: Orlando Cepeda Enshrined

In 1999, Orlando Cepeda was enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

1999: U.S. Atlantic Command Renamed

In 1999, U.S. Atlantic Command was renamed and given a new mission as U.S. Joint Forces Command. Puerto Rico is currently under the responsibility of U.S. Northern Command.

1999: Pathogen Interceptions Higher

Pathogen interceptions were dramatically (17%) higher 1999–2000 than in 1985–1986.

2000: Education attainment data

According to the 2000 Census, 60.0% of the population attained a high school degree or higher level of education.

2000: San Juan PPQ station interceptions

Between 1984–2000, the San Juan PPQ station recorded 7.74% of all interceptions.

2000: Population Peaked

In 2000, the commonwealth's population peaked at 3,808,610.

2000: Census Data

In the 2000 census, the count of "American Indian or Alaskan Native" was lower than in 2010.

2000: Racial self-identification question

The 2000 United States Census included a racial self-identification question in Puerto Rico.

2000: Structural Deficit

The practice of approving budgets with a structural deficit has been done for 25 consecutive years starting in 2000.

2002: Literacy rate

As of 2002, the literacy rate of the Puerto Rican population was 94.1%.

2003: Montreal Expos play in San Juan

In 2003, San Juan hosted the Montreal Expos for several series before they moved to Washington, D.C.

2003: University of Puerto Rico Genetic Study

In 2003, a University of Puerto Rico study found that 61.1 percent of those surveyed had mitochondrial DNA of indigenous origin.

August 2004: Puerto Rico Defeats USA at Olympics

On August 2004, the Puerto Rico national basketball team defeated the United States in an Olympic tournament for the first time since NBA players were integrated.

2004: Montreal Expos play in San Juan

In 2004, San Juan hosted the Montreal Expos for several series before they moved to Washington, D.C.

March 2006: World Baseball Classic Hosted in San Juan

In March 2006, Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan hosted the opening and second rounds of the World Baseball Classic.

2006: Start of Recession

Puerto Rico experienced a recession from 2006 to 2011.

2007: Telecommunications Data

As of 2007, there were 30 TV stations, 125 radio stations and roughly 1 million TV sets on the island.

2007: Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party registered

In 2007, the Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party was registered.

2007: Muslim population

In 2007, there were about 5,000 Muslims in Puerto Rico, representing about 0.13% of the population.

2008: Flags of Our Nation series begins

In 2008, The "Flags of our nation series" began, ultimately running through 2012, and featuring five territorial flags.

2008: Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party fails to obtain votes

In 2008, the Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party ceased to be registered.

2008: Puerto Rico Soccer League Established

In 2008, the Puerto Rico Soccer League, the archipelago's first unified league, was established.

2009: Puerto Rico paid into U.S. Treasury

In 2009, Puerto Rico paid $3.742 billion into the U.S. Treasury.

2009: UN calls for self-determination

In 2009, the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization approved a draft resolution calling on the U.S. government to expedite a process for Puerto Rican self-determination.

2010: 2010 United States census

According to the 2010 United States census Puerto Rico had 3,725,789 residents.

2010: Schools in Puerto Rico

As of 2010, there are 1539 public schools and 806 private schools.

2010: Population count

Based on 1 July 2019 estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the Commonwealth had declined by 532,095 people since the 2010 Census data had been tabulated.

2010: Central American and Caribbean Games Hosted in Mayagüez

In 2010, Mayagüez hosted the Central American and Caribbean Games.

2010: Orthodox Christians population

In 2010, Orthodox Christians accounted for one percent of the population.

2010: Life expectancy data

In 2010, average life expectancy was 78.7 years.

2010: Racial data

In 2010, roughly 3 percent identified as multiracial.

2011: Roberto Alomar Enshrined

In 2011, Roberto Alomar was enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

2011: Puerto Rico Flag Featured on Forever Stamp

In 2011, as part of the "Flags of our nation series", a Forever stamp featuring the Puerto Rico Flag was issued.

2011: Median Home Value in Puerto Rico

In 2011, median home value in Puerto Rico ranged from U.S.$100,000 to U.S.$214,000.

2011: End of Recession

Puerto Rico experienced a recession from 2006 to 2011, interrupted by four quarters of economic growth.

November 2012: Referendum on status held

In November 2012, Puerto Rico held a two-question referendum. A majority voted against the status quo and for statehood in the second question with alternate status options.

2012: Adult literacy rate

A Pew Research survey indicated an adult literacy rate of 90.4% in 2012 based on data from the United Nations.

2012: Population decline

In 2012, Puerto Rico's population declined nearly 1%.

2012: Flags of Our Nation series concludes

In 2012, The "Flags of our nation series" concluded, after running since 2008, and featuring five territorial flags.

2012: Emergence of Movimiento Unión Soberanista and Partido del Pueblo Trabajador

In 2012, the Movimiento Unión Soberanista and the Partido del Pueblo Trabajador emerged, although neither obtained more than 1% of the vote.

2013: Population decline

In 2013, Puerto Rico's population declined an additional 1% (36,000 people).

2013: Government Accountability Office Report

In 2013, the Government Accountability Office published a report which concluded that "repealing or amending the Jones Act cabotage law might cut Puerto Rico shipping costs".

2013: Return to Recession

Puerto Rico entered into recession again in 2013, following growing fiscal imbalance and the expiration of the IRS Section 936 corporate incentives.

March 2014: Religious demographics

An Associated Press article in March 2014 stated that "more than 70 percent" of Puerto Ricans identified as Catholic.

2014: Congressional Gold Medal for the 65th Infantry Regiment

In 2014, the 65th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army, nicknamed The Borinqueneers, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for its heroism during the Korean War.

2014: High Homicide Rate in Puerto Rico

In 2014, the homicide rate in Puerto Rico was 19.2 per 100,000 inhabitants, significantly higher than any U.S. state. Most homicide victims were gang members and drug traffickers, with about 80% of homicides being drug-related.

2014: Religious affiliation in Puerto Rico

Religious affiliation in Puerto Rico (2014).

2015: Jehovah's Witnesses Demographics

In 2015, the 25,832 Jehovah's Witnesses represented about 0.70% of the population, with 324 congregations.

2015: Commonwealth Defaults on Debts

The Commonwealth had been defaulting on many debts, including bonds, since 2015.

2015: Household Income Stats

The U.S. Census Bureau's 2015 update stated the household median income as $19,350 and the mean income as $30,463.

2016: Election of Jenniffer González-Colón

In 2016, Jenniffer González-Colón, a member of the New Progressive Party and the Republican Party, was elected as the resident commissioner of Puerto Rico. She received more votes than any other official elected in Puerto Rico that year.

2016: First Gold Medal

In 2016, Monica Puig won the first gold medal for Puerto Rico in the Olympic Games, winning the Women's Tennis singles title in Rio.

2016: PROMESA Act establishes Control Board

In 2016, President Barack Obama signed PROMESA into law, establishing a Control Board over the Puerto Rican government with significant federal control.

2016: U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Double Jeopardy

In 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court held that accusing someone of a criminal act at the federal level and then accusing them for the same act in a Commonwealth court in Puerto Rico would constitute double jeopardy.

July 1, 2017: Health Care at Risk

The letter sent to Congress stated "Without action before April, Puerto Rico's ability to execute contracts for Fiscal Year 2018 with its managed care organizations will be threatened, thereby putting at risk beginning July 1, 2017 the health care of up to 900,000 impoverished U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico".

July 2017: PREPA Bankruptcy

In early July 2017, the PREPA power authority was effectively bankrupt after defaulting in a plan to restructure $9 billion in bond debt.

August 2017: Financial Oversight Board Plans

In early August 2017, the island's financial oversight board planned to institute two days off without pay per month for government employees.

September 7, 2017: Hurricane Irma impacts Puerto Rico

On September 7, 2017, Category 5 Hurricane Irma hit Puerto Rico, causing significant damage.

September 20, 2017: Hurricane Maria devastates Puerto Rico

On September 20, 2017, Category 4 Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, causing extreme damage, knocking out power and damaging infrastructure.

2017: Hurricane Maria's Impact

In 2017, Hurricane Maria caused severe damage to the island and its infrastructure, disrupting tourism for many months. The damage was estimated at $100 billion.

2017: Puerto Rico affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria

In 2017, Puerto Rico was affected by Category 5 Hurricane Irma and Category 4 Hurricane Maria, causing widespread and devastating impacts, particularly to the electric grid.

2017: Referendum in favor of statehood

In 2017, another referendum was held in Puerto Rico in favor of statehood, though it was boycotted by some political opponents.

2017: First Eastern Catholic Church established

In 2017, the first Eastern Catholic Church was established in Puerto Rico.

2017: Population decline

In 2017, the impact of hurricanes Maria and Irma, combined with the unincorporated territory's worsening economy, led to its greatest population decline since the U.S. acquired the archipelago.

2017: Hospitals in Puerto Rico

In 2017, there were 69 hospitals in Puerto Rico.

2017: Puerto Rican Government-Debt Crisis

In early 2017, the Puerto Rican government-debt crisis posed serious problems for the government which was saddled with outstanding bond debt that had climbed to $70 billion.

July 2018: Puerto Rico Law 120-2018 signed

On July 2018, Puerto Rico Law 120-2018, also known as the "Ley para Transformar el Sistema Eléctrico de Puerto Rico", was signed, authorizing PREPA to sell infrastructure and services to other providers.

2018: Jones Act Impact Study

A 2018 study concluded that the 1920 Jones Act has no impact on either retail prices or the cost of living on Puerto Rico.

2018: Tourism Campaign Launched

In 2018, a tourism campaign was launched by Discover Puerto Rico intended to highlight the island's culture and history.

2018: Fiscal Year

The letter sent to Congress stated "Without action before April, Puerto Rico's ability to execute contracts for Fiscal Year 2018 with its managed care organizations will be threatened, thereby putting at risk beginning July 1, 2017 the health care of up to 900,000 impoverished U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico".

2018: End of PREPA Monopoly

Until 2018, PREPA was the only entity authorized to conduct such business in Puerto Rico, effectively making it a government monopoly.

April 2019: Tourism Rebounds

An April 2019 report indicated that by that time, only a few hotels were still closed, and life for tourists in and around the capital had, for the most part, returned to normal.

July 2019: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimate

Based on 1 July 2019 estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the Commonwealth had declined by 532,095 people since the 2010 Census data had been tabulated.

October 2019: Tourist Amenities Reopen

By October 2019, nearly all of the popular amenities for tourists, in the major destinations such as San Juan, Ponce and Arecibo, were in operation on the island and tourism was rebounding.

2019: Tourism Campaign Continues

In 2019, Discover Puerto Rico planned to continue the tourism campaign that was launched in 2018.

January 2020: Largest earthquake since 1918

In January 2020, Puerto Rico experienced its largest earthquake since 1918, estimated at magnitude 6.4, resulting in more than $3.1 billion in economic losses.

June 2020: LUMA Energy contract signed

On June 2020, a contract was signed making LUMA Energy the new operator of the energy distribution and transmission infrastructure.

November 2020: Statehood referendum held

In November 2020, Puerto Rico held a statehood referendum during the general elections, with 52% of voters answering 'yes' to becoming a state.

November 2020: Last election held

In November 2020, the last election was held for the governor and legislators, who are elected by popular vote every four years.

2020: Puerto Ricans Living Outside of Puerto Rico

According to the 2020 U.S. census, the number of Puerto Ricans living outside of Puerto Rico in the U.S. is almost twice as many as those living in Puerto Rico.

2020: 2020 United States census

According to the 2020 United States census, Puerto Rico had 3,285,874 residents.

2020: Gross National Income Per Capita

According to the World Bank, the gross national income per capita in Puerto Rico in 2020 was $21,740.

2020: Hispanic or Latinos Data

As of 2020, Hispanic or Latinos made up 98.9 percent of the population, of which 95.5 percent were Puerto Rican.

2020: Population of San Juan

Based on the 2020 Census, the most populous municipality is the capital, San Juan, with 342,259 people.

June 2021: LUMA Energy takeover

In June 2021, the takeover of PREPA's operations by LUMA Energy was set for June 1, amidst protests and uncertainty.

2021: Life expectancy data

As of 2021, average life expectancy is approximately 82.1 years according to the CIA World Factbook.

2022: Puerto Rico Status Act passes House

In 2022, the Puerto Rico Status Act, or H.R. 8393, passed the House, supporting Puerto Rico making a binding referendum, but it did not pass the Senate.

2022: Future religious assessment

It was estimated that Puerto Rico would become 75 percent evangelical by 2022.

2023: Latter-day Saints Temple Dedicated

In 2023, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated a temple in San Juan.

November 5, 2024: Statehood wins non-binding referendum

On November 5, 2024, Statehood won a non-binding referendum with 59% of the vote. Also, Jennifer Gonzalez, who is pro-statehood, won the office of Governor of Puerto Rico.