Puerto Rico

1839. Eugenio Maria de Hostos y Bonilla was born in Mayaguez on January 11, 1839. He excelled outstandingly as philosopher, pedagogue, writer, sociologist, journalist and staunch advocate of his homeland’s independence.

1838-1868 The idea of independence first popped up in Puerto Rico when the world learned about the struggle Puerto Rican patriots was conducting. However, the small-size island and its number of inhabitants were not grabbing enough headlines, so making the effort an uphill battle.Nonetheless, many an attempt took place in 1838, 1864, 1867 and 1868. Outstanding Puerto Ricans fought against slavery.

1827. San Jose de Lares (its original name) was founded on April 26, 1827 with just 273 residents.

1827. Doctor Ramon Emeterio Betances was born on April 8, 1827. Betances managed to generalize the ideal of independence in Puerto Rico through secret fraternities and the Lares Uprising.

1825. The Ocorovis neighborhood is founded on May 25, 1825.

1822. Manuel A. Alonso, doctor and poet, was born in San Juan de Puerto Rico, on October 6, 1822.

1815 Captain-general Toribio Montes opened Puerto Rico’s first-ever print and the island nation’s first printed newspaper entitled The Gazette. A few years later, other periodicals followed suit and the Friends of the Country Economic Society was founded.

1814-1978. Through the Treaty of Paris signed in 1814, the United Kingdom took charge of the territory until its independence was granted in 1978.