History of Puerto Rico in Timeline

Puerto Rico is a self-governing Caribbean archipelago and an unincorporated territory of the United States organized as a commonwealth. Situated approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, it lies between the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It comprises the main island and smaller islands like Vieques, Culebra, and Mona. With a population of around 3.2 million, Puerto Rico is divided into 78 municipalities, with San Juan as its most populous capital. Both Spanish and English are the official languages, although Spanish is more widely used.

1900: Foraker Act established civil government

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

1901: U.S. Government Assumes Control and Legal Reforms

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 in effect in California.

1902: English-only language law

In 1902 there was an English-only language law, despite which Spanish is the only official language of the entire Commonwealth judiciary system.

March 12, 1903: University of Puerto Rico Founded

On March 12, 1903, the University of Puerto Rico was officially founded, branching out from the "Escuela Normal Industrial".

1906: U.S. Constitution applies within its territory

In 1906, The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that the U.S. Constitution applied within the territory of Puerto Rico.

1907: Paoli Records Pagliacci

In 1907, Antonio Paoli became the first operatic artist in world history to record an entire opera, 'Pagliacci by Ruggiero Leoncavallo', in Milan, Italy.

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1917: Puerto Ricans become U.S. citizens

In 1917, Puerto Ricans became U.S. citizens, granting them the freedom to move between the archipelago and the mainland.

1917: Puerto Ricans collectively 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 made Puerto Ricans U.S. citizens

In 1917, the Jones Act made Puerto Ricans U.S. citizens.

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.

October 11, 1918: San Fermín earthquake

On October 11, 1918, the San Fermín earthquake occurred, with an estimated magnitude of 7.5, causing extensive damage and loss of life.

1920: Merchant Marine Act (Jones Act)

One of the most cited contributors to the high cost of living in Puerto Rico is the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known as the Jones Act, which restricts foreign-flagged ships from carrying cargo between two American ports.

1920: Development of Ponce Creole Architecture

Ponce Creole architectural style developed in Ponce, Puerto Rico, between 1895 and 1920.

1920: Jones Act enactment

The 1920 Jones Act is mentioned in the context of a 2018 study which concluded it had no impact on retail prices or the cost of living in Puerto Rico.

September 1928: Lake Okeechobee Hurricane

In September 1928, the Lake Okeechobee Hurricane (San Felipe Segundo hurricane) made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane, the only one to do so since 1851.

1930: Baloncesto Superior Nacional Beginning

In 1930, Baloncesto Superior Nacional began as the top-level professional basketball league in Puerto Rico.

1931: Name changed back to Puerto Rico

In 1931, the name of Porto Rico was changed back to Puerto Rico by a joint resolution in Congress.

1937: Insular Territories Commemorated on Postal Stamps

In 1937, Insular Territories were commemorated on U.S. postal stamps; the third stamp honored Puerto Rico featuring 'La Fortaleza'.

1940: Mita Congregation founded

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

1943: Irene Barnes Taeuber's report on census data

In 1943, Irene Barnes Taeuber, an American demographer at Princeton University, issued a report regarding the reliability of census data of Puerto Rico completed by Spain.

May 1, 1945: Law No. 40 established PRASA

On May 1, 1945, Law No. 40 designated the existence of the Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewers Authority (PRASA), also known as AAA. It became the government-owned corporation responsible for water quality, management, and supply in Puerto Rico.

1948: First Olympic Medal

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

April 27, 1949: First Free Election Commemorated on Postal Stamp

On April 27, 1949, the first free election for governor of Puerto Rico was honored on a 3-cent stamp featuring Luis Muñoz Marín.

1950: Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act

The Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act was established in 1950, where the U.S. Congress oversees Puerto Rico.

1951: Puerto Rico wins gold in the World Cup of Baseball

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

1951: Annexation of Río Piedras

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

July 25, 1952: Official name adopted

On July 25, 1952, the official name "Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico" (Free Associated State of Puerto Rico) was adopted by a constitutional assembly.

1952: Puerto Rico's Constitution approval

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

1952: Congress approved territorial constitution

In 1952, Congress approved a territorial constitution allowing residents to elect a governor, senate, and house of representatives.

1952: Establishment of first synagogue

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

1952: Three main political parties since 1952

Since 1952, Puerto Rico has had three main political parties.

1957: Puerto Rico Joins FIBA

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

1960: Census questionnaire change

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

September 12, 1971: San Juan Commemorated on Postal Stamp

On September 12, 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 founded

In 1971, Florida was founded.

1973: Issuance of Bonds to Balance Budget

For four decades beginning in 1973, Puerto Rico issued bonds to balance its actual budget, contributing to the cumulative debt.

1973: Roberto Clemente Enshrined

In 1973, baseball player Roberto Clemente was enshrined into the Hall of Fame.

1979: Pan Am Games Hosted in San Juan

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

October 1984: Pope John Paul II visited Puerto Rico

In October 1984, Pope John Paul II visited Puerto Rico.

1984: San Juan PPQ Station Interceptions

In 1984, the San Juan PPQ station's cargo traffic volume led to a high percentage of interceptions.

1985: Pathogen Interceptions Comparison

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

1986: Pathogen Interceptions Comparison

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

1990: Census questionnaire change

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

1991: Autonomous Municipalities Act

Per the Autonomous Municipalities Act of 1991, each municipality in Puerto Rico has a mayor and a municipal legislature elected for four-year terms.

1992: President Bush's Memorandum on Puerto Rico

In 1992, President George H.W. Bush issued a memorandum directing federal departments and agencies to treat Puerto Rico administratively as a state, as long as it didn't disrupt federal programs or operations. This defined the administrative relationship between the federal government and Puerto Rico.

1992: FBI made armed carjacking a federal crime

In 1992, the FBI made armed carjacking a federal crime.

1993: U.S. Atlantic Command (LANTCOM/USACOM)

In 1993, U.S. Atlantic Command (LANTCOM) after was given authority over all U.S. military operations that took place throughout the Atlantic.

1993: Central American and Caribbean Games in Ponce

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

1994: Goodwill Games Gold Medal

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

1997: Assessment of Protestant population in 1997

In 1997, another researcher gave a more conservative assessment of the proportion of Protestants in Puerto Rico, finding a Protestant population of approximately 33 to 38 percent.

1998: Endemic species count

As of 1998, the archipelago was recognized as having 239 endemic plant species, 16 bird species, and 39 amphibian/reptile species.

1998: Pablo Ramos's poll on religion

In 1998, pollster Pablo Ramos stated that the population of Puerto Rico was 38 percent Catholic, 28 percent Pentecostal, and 18 percent independent churches.

1999: Pathogen Interceptions Increased

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

1999: Renaming of U.S. Atlantic Command

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

1999: Orlando Cepeda Enshrined

In 1999, baseball player Orlando Cepeda was enshrined into the Hall of Fame.

2000: Education Attainment

According to the 2000 Census, 60.0% of the population attained a high school degree or higher, and 18.3% had a bachelor's degree or higher.

2000: San Juan PPQ Station Interceptions

By 2000, between 1984-2000, the San Juan PPQ station recorded 7.74% of all interceptions.

2000: Peak Population

In 2000, Puerto Rico's population peaked at 3,808,610 before declining.

2000: 2000 Census

The 2000 Census is noted in the context of a comparison with the 2010 Census where there was an increase in people identifying as "American Indian or Alaskan Native".

2000: 2000 United States Census racial self-identification

The 2000 United States Census included a racial self-identification question in Puerto Rico, according to which most Puerto Ricans identified as white and Latino.

2000: Start of Consecutive Budgets with Structural Deficit

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

2002: Literacy Rate in Puerto Rico

As of 2002, the literacy rate of the Puerto Rican population was 94.1%, with 93.9% for males and 94.4% for females.

2003: Montreal Expos Series in San Juan

In 2003, San Juan hosted the Montreal Expos for several series.

2003: University of Puerto Rico genetic study

In 2003, a study by the University of Puerto Rico found that 61.1% of subjects had mitochondrial DNA of Indigenous origin, 26.4% had African markers, and 12.5% showed European descent.

August 8, 2004: Puerto Rico Defeats the United States in the Olympics

On August 8, 2004, Puerto Rico became the first team to defeat the United States in an Olympic basketball tournament with a score of 92–73 during the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.

2004: Montreal Expos Series 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 in San Juan

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

2006: Start of Recession

Puerto Rico began experiencing a recession from 2006 to 2011.

2007: Telecommunications Statistics in Puerto Rico

As of 2007, Puerto Rico had 30 TV stations, 125 radio stations, and approximately 1 million TV sets. Cable TV subscription services were available, and the U.S. Armed Forces Radio and Television Service broadcast 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

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

2008: Flags of our nation series

From 2008-2012, as part of the "Flags of our nation series", of the fifty-five, five territorial flags were featured.

2008: Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party failed to obtain required number of votes

In 2008, the Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party failed to obtain required number of votes.

2008: Puerto Rico Soccer League Established

In 2008, the first unified league in Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Soccer League, was established.

2009: Puerto Rico's Contribution to U.S. Treasury

In 2009, Puerto Rico contributed $3.742 billion to the U.S. Treasury. Residents paid into Social Security but were excluded from Supplemental Security Income, and the island received less Medicaid funding than a U.S. state. Medicare providers also received lower reimbursements for services.

2009: UN resolution on decolonization

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: Number of Schools

As of 2010, there were 1539 public schools and 806 private schools in Puerto Rico.

2010: Orthodox Christian population in 2010

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

2010: Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayagüez

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

2010: Life Expectancy in Puerto Rico

In 2010, the average life expectancy in Puerto Rico was 78.7 years.

2010: Puerto Rico's population in 2010

In 2010, the population of Puerto Rico was 3,725,789, marking the first decline in census history.

2010: Increased Indigenous identification

In the 2010 census, 19,839 respondents identified as "American Indian or Alaskan Native", an increase of almost 49 percent from the 2000 count.

2010: Reference to 2010 Census data

The 2010 Census data is mentioned as a reference point to show that the population declined by 532,095 people by July 1, 2019.

2010: Racial Identification in 2010 Census

The 2010 census showed nearly half of Puerto Ricans (49.8 percent) reported being multiracial—compared to just 3 percent in 2010

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 illustrated by a bird was issued.

2011: Roberto Alomar Enshrined

In 2011, baseball player Roberto Alomar was enshrined into the Hall of Fame.

2011: Median Home Value in Puerto Rico

In 2011, the median home value in Puerto Rico ranged from U.S.$100,000 to U.S.$214,000, while the national median home value was $119,600.

2011: Interruption of Recession

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

November 2012: Referendum on status

In November 2012, a referendum took place where voters rejected the current status and expressed a preference for statehood.

2012: Adult literacy rate in 2012

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

2012: Flags of our nation series

From 2008-2012, as part of the "Flags of our nation series", of the fifty-five, five territorial flags were featured.

2012: Population decline in 2012

In 2012, Puerto Rico's population declined nearly 1% due to a falling birthrate and emigration.

2012: Movimiento Unión Soberanista and Partido del Pueblo Trabajador emergence

In 2012, the Movimiento Unión Soberanista and Partido del Pueblo Trabajador emerged.

2013: Return to Recession

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

2013: Continued population decline in 2013

In 2013, Puerto Rico's population declined by an additional 1% (36,000 people) due to a falling birthrate and emigration.

2013: Government Accountability Office report on Jones Act

In 2013, the Government Accountability Office published a report suggesting that repealing or amending the Jones Act could reduce shipping costs for Puerto Rico, as shippers believed opening trade to non-U.S. flagged competition could lower costs. The report concluded that modifying the Jones Act's application for Puerto Rico had uncertain effects for both Puerto Rico and the U.S.

March 2014: Associated Press article on Catholic identification

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

2014: High Homicide Rate

In 2014, Puerto Rico's homicide rate of 19.2 per 100,000 inhabitants was significantly higher than any U.S. state, with most victims being gang members and drug traffickers.

2014: Congressional Gold Medal for the 65th Infantry Regiment

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

2015: Jehovah's Witnesses population in 2015

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

2015: Commonwealth Defaulting on Debts

Since 2015, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico had been defaulting on many debts, including bonds.

2015: Household Income and Poverty Level

The U.S. Census Bureau's 2015 update stated the household median income as $19,350 and the mean income as $30,463, with 45.5% of individuals below the poverty level.

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 Olympic Gold Medal

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

2016: PROMESA Law established Control Board

In 2016, President Barack Obama signed into law H.R. 5278: PROMESA, establishing a Control Board over the Puerto Rican government.

2016: U.S. Supreme Court and 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 of the same act in a Commonwealth court would constitute double jeopardy because Puerto Rico, as an unincorporated territory, lacks sovereignty separate from Congress like a state does.

July 1, 2017: Risk to Healthcare Funding

According to a letter sent to Congress, without action before April, Puerto Rico's ability to execute contracts for Fiscal Year 2018 with its managed care organizations would 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 Power Authority Bankruptcy

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

August 2017: Financial Oversight Board and Employee Days Off

In early August 2017, the island's financial oversight board planned to institute two days off without pay per month for government employees, which was rejected by Governor Rossello. Pension reforms were also discussed.

September 7, 2017: Hurricane Irma

On September 7, 2017, Puerto Rico suffered from Category 5 Hurricane Irma.

September 20, 2017: Hurricane Maria

On September 20, 2017, Puerto Rico suffered from Category 4 Hurricane Maria, causing an extreme amount of damage to the island.

2017: Hurricane Maria's Impact on Tourism

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

2017: Hurricanes Irma and Maria

In 2017, Puerto Rico was affected by Category 5 Hurricane Irma and Category 4 Hurricane Maria, causing widespread damage.

2017: First Eastern Catholic Church established in 2017

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

2017: Impact of hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017

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

2017: Referendum in favor of statehood

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

2017: Number of Hospitals

In 2017, there were 69 hospitals in Puerto Rico.

2017: Government-Debt Crisis

In early 2017, the Puerto Rican government-debt crisis posed serious problems with outstanding bond debt that had climbed to $70 billion during a decade-long recession.

July 20, 2018: Puerto Rico Law 120-2018 signed

On July 20, 2018, Puerto Rico Law 120-2018, also known as the Law to Transform the Electrical System of Puerto Rico, was signed, authorizing PREPA to sell infrastructure and services to other providers.

2018: Risk to Healthcare Funding

2018: Tourism Campaign Launched

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

2018: Study on Jones Act impact

In 2018, a study by economists at Reeve & Associates and Estudios Tecnicos concluded that the 1920 Jones Act had no impact on retail prices or the cost of living in Puerto Rico.

2018: PREPA's government monopoly ends

In 2018, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) lost its legal monopoly, as it was no longer the only entity authorized to conduct electric power business in Puerto Rico.

January 1, 2019: Carjacking Problem in 2019

From January 1, 2019, to March 14, 2019, thirty carjackings had occurred on the island.

March 14, 2019: Carjacking Problem in 2019

From January 1, 2019, to March 14, 2019, thirty carjackings had occurred on the island.

April 2019: Tourism Recovery After Hurricane Maria

An April 2019 report indicated that most hotels had reopened and life for tourists in and around the capital had mostly returned to normal after Hurricane Maria.

July 1, 2019: Population decline since 2010

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

October 2019: Rebound of Tourism

By October 2019, nearly all of the popular amenities for tourists in major destinations such as San Juan, Ponce and Arecibo were in operation, and tourism was rebounding, which provides up to 10% of Puerto Rico's GDP.

2019: Continuation of Tourism Campaign

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

January 7, 2020: Largest earthquake since 1918

On January 7, 2020, Puerto Rico experienced its largest earthquake since 1918, estimated at magnitude 6.4.

June 22, 2020: Contract signed with LUMA Energy

On June 22, 2020, a contract was signed, making LUMA Energy the new operator of the energy distribution and transmission infrastructure, as well as other areas of PREPA's operations, effectively partially privatizing the Puerto Rican power grid.

November 3, 2020: Statehood referendum

On November 3, 2020, Puerto Rico held a statehood referendum during the general elections, where 52% of voters answered yes.

2020: Puerto Ricans living outside of Puerto Rico in 2020

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, marking an 11.8% decrease since 2010.

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: San Juan Population

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

2020: 2020 Census Racial Demographics

In 2020, the Hispanic or Latino population of Puerto Rico made up 98.9 percent, with 95.5 percent being Puerto Rican and 3.4% being Hispanic of non-Puerto Rican origins. Only 1.1 percent of the population was non-Hispanic.

June 1, 2021: LUMA Energy takeover

On June 1, 2021, LUMA Energy's takeover of PREPA's operations was set to occur, amidst protests and uncertainty from the general public, former-PREPA workers, and union members.

2021: Average Life Expectancy

As of 2021, the average life expectancy in Puerto Rico was approximately 82.1 years according to the CIA World Factbook.

2022: Puerto Rico Status Act passed the House

In 2022, the Puerto Rico Status Act, H.R. 8393, passed the House, supporting Puerto Rico making a binding referendum.

2022: Projected evangelical population by 2022

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

2023: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple dedication in 2023

In 2023, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated a temple in San Juan, and reported having a membership of approximately 23,000 in the commonwealth.