Puerto Rico

1903. Puerto Rico’s University was founded in 1903. This is the island’s oldest higher education center and it currently counts on different major dependencies in Bayamon, Mayaguez, Ponce, Rio Piedras and San Juan.

1899. Rafael de Jesus Cordero is born. He is considered one of Puerto Rico’s most outstanding economist and the island’s first accountant.

1898By the end of the war against the U.S., Spain had lost Cuba and surrendered Puerto Rico to the Americans. Puerto Rico’s most outstanding men wrote to then-U.S. President McKinley to ask him for their nation’s independence. In return, Mr. McKinley sent a high-ranking military officer who set up a general governorship in the country.

1898. On July 25, 1898, the United Stated invaded Puerto Rico. General Nelson Miles and his troops landed in Guanica.

1898. The U.S. military occupation in the town of Hamacao occurred on September 22, 1898.

1897 Many illustrious men spread their views on independence inside and outside the country. In 1897, Spain granted Puerto Rico administrative autonomy.

1895. Angelita Bosh, one of Puerto Rico’s first female pharmaceutical scientists, was born.

1891. Pedro Albizu Campos was born September 12, 1891 in Ponce. This outstanding politician and restless fighter poured all of his lifelong efforts into Puerto Rico’s independence.