Puerto Rico History

Puerto Rico’s history goes back to the time where the Ortoiroid people settled on the archipelago of Puerto Rico between 3000 and 2000 B.C. Puerto Rican history also states that tribes such as the Saladoid and Arawak Indians populated the island between 430 B.C. and 1000 A.D. Christopher Columbus arrived in the New World in 1492, and at the time the indigenous culture was of the Tainos. Puerto Rico’s history can be traced back to when the Spanish Empire controlled Puerto Rico as a key asset. The island was a key military post during many wars between Spain and other European powers during the 16th though 18th centuries.

• Puerto Rican history is interesting because it was a key in many wars. Puerto Rico served as Spain’s final outposts in a strategy to regain control of the American continents. In 1898, during the Spanish-American war, Puerto Rico was invaded and became the possession of the United States. Scholars that are educated with Puerto Rico’s history will tell you that this is one of the darkest times in the islands history. It took many years for Puerto Rico to gain many of the democratic rights from the United States. The Foraker Act of 1900 was an integral part of Puerto Rico’s history. This established a civil government in Puerto Rico. Another big act in Puerto Rican history would be the Jones Act of 1917 which granted Puerto Ricans U.S. citizenship, laid the groundwork for the drafting of Puerto Rico’s constitution and the establishment of democratic elections in 1952.

• Puerto Rico has been ruled by the United States since 1898 and a lot of good has come from it. Scholars that study Puerto Rico’s history will share with you that many ways of life were Americanized so to speak. The implementation of the eight hour work day for government employees was established, along with the Puerto Rican peso being changed to the United States dollar. Puerto Rican history was forever changed when freedom of assembly, speech, press and religion were decreed. The public school system was begun along with the U.S. Postal service. These were two of the brighter spots in Puerto Rico’s history. Other highlights under the U.S. rule in Puerto Rican history would be the abolishment of government lottery and cockfighting. The most important event in Puerto Rico’s history would also be the centralized public health service being established.

Puerto Rican history under the United States rule hasn’t been that bad. A lot of positives have come from this, most notably the heath service. Puerto Rico’s history health was terrible and a lot of epidemics were going around that could have been easily suppressed. Puerto Rican history involves a lot of turning points in many wars. Puerto Rico’s history is that of rich culture, arts, and eventful moments. Puerto Rico’s history involves much more events, but this article was designed to give you a brief sampler of some of the highlights in Puerto Rican history. Puerto Rico’s history goes back thousands of years, and that alone makes it worth visiting on vacation. People know about the beautiful beaches and resorts, but there is a lot of history to be soaked up as well.

Safety is probably the major concern of tourists when traveling outside of the United States. A popular vacation spot for Americans is Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico’s vast array of beaches and resorts make it an attractive and somewhat affordable getaway spot for many Americans, particularly those residing on the east coast. One of the most important features to look up before traveling is how safe the destination is and what precautions you should take. Even though you are going on vacation and you want to relax and let your guard down, you still have to be conscious of the dangers of going on vacations. Puerto Rico’s reputation is that it is pretty safe around the resorts, especially San Juan, where most tourists go. Puerto Rico is an American territory located in the Caribbean. If you are from the states, then traveling to Puerto Rico does not require a passport to enter the country.

• English is spoken in the tourist areas so you can relate with many of the people there. People that speak your language is always comforting. Puerto Rico’s problems are like that of any other country. Every place has crime and corruption, and the same holds true for Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is a popular pit stop for drug traffickers moving their shipments between South America to the United States. This should not deter you from enjoying Puerto Rico’s beautiful islands however, as this problem is not prevalent in San Juan.

• Puerto Rico’s most common tourist crimes that take place are thefts and muggings. As long as you use some common sense, you can avoid this happening to you.

• Puerto Rico’s island of San Juan is a fairly safe place, although it is recommended not to carry too much cash on you, just as a precautionary measure. There are ATM’s widely available and most stores accept credit cards. Try not to bring any valuable jewelry with you on the trip. Puerto Rico does have thief’s and muggers, and you don’t want to stand out by flaunting any of your gold earrings or necklaces. Puerto Rico’s Old San Juan is outside of the tourist area and has a few places that you should avoid. Towns like La Perla and Puertode Tierra are not tourist friendly and have a higher crime rate.

• Puerto Rico’s beaches can present and opportunity to get into trouble. You will want to stay out of the secluded areas of the beaches, especially at night. The beaches of Puerto Rico during the day are beautiful and completely safe and should be enjoyed.

Puerto Rico’s nightlife is something that should be enjoyed by tourists. Most of the bars and clubs along the tourist strip are safe and have very few problems with crime. Puerto Rico does have unlit areas such as alleyways that you will want to avoid. While staying in Puerto Rico you will want to travel as a group and try not to stray away by yourselves. This applies to single female travelers the most. Puerto Rico’s transportation is safe and travelers do not need to worry about it. Taxis are prevalent in the tourist areas, as well as buses, ferries, and a train.