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French and Dutch attack
1595
1595. Trapped between diseases and corsairs, the island panned out to be a nightmare. Pirates and corsairs stalked islanders during the first years of the colonial rule and this situation led to the building of breathtaking fortresses. In 1595, Puerto Rico put up with British Francis Drake and John Hawkins when they both tried to lay their hands on San Juan. Jorge Cumberland conquered Puerto Rico but was forced to abandon the island in 1598. |
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The captain’s office opens on the island
1582
1582. Puerto Rico’s General Captain’s Office is established. |
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Gold mines run out of the precious metal
1570
1570. The island’s gold mines are declared exhausted. |
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The French invade San German
1545
1545. The French attack San German town. |
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Building of the San Felipe Morro Castle
1539
1539. The construction of the San Felipe Morro Castle begins. |
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Building of the Santa Catalina Palace
1533
1533. The building of the Santa Catalina Palace, residence of the island’s governor, begins. The palace was later renamed as the Santa Catalina Fortress. |
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Settlers leave the island
1529
1529. Settlers start leaving the island to head for the mainland. |
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Puerto Rico’s first-ever hospital
1524
1524. Puerto Rico’s first-ever hospital is built. |
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First sugar mill
1523
1523. Puerto Rico’s first sugar mill is built. |
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Puerto Rico’s first monastery
1523
1523. Puerto Rico’s first-ever monastery is set up. |
