The recorded military history of Puerto Rico encompasses the period from the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadores battled native Taínos, to the present employment of Puerto Ricans in the United States Armed Forces in the military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Puerto Rico was part of the Spanish Empire for four centuries, when the Puerto Ricans defended themselves against invasions from the British, French, and Dutch. During the mid-19th century, the quest for Latin American independence from Spain spread to Puerto Rico, culminating in the failed revolution known as the Grito de Lares. The island was invaded by the United States during the Spanish–American War; the war ended when Spain officially ceded the island under the 1898 Treaty of Paris. Puerto Rico became a United States territory and a military regiment known as the Porto Rico Regiment was established on the island.
As citizens of the United States, Puerto Ricans have participated in every major United States military engagement from World War I, with Puerto Rico's 65th Infantry Regiment distinguishing themselves in combat during the Korean War. (more...)
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General
External audio
You may view a newsreel of Rivero in the world's first "Walk-A-Thon"here
That... the Cuatro is the national instrument of Puerto Rico?
That... Telemundo, the second largest Spanish-language television station in the United States, was founded by the Puerto Rican industrialist Ángel Ramos in Puerto Rico?
That... one of Café Rico's products, "San Carlos Selection", was the official coffee of the Vatican City?[2][3]
That... as of 2003, twenty-five percent of all pharmaceutical products manufactured in the United States were shipped from Puerto Rico, and sixteen of the top twenty best selling prescription drugs in the United States were produced on the island?[6]
That... Puerto Rico enjoys one of the planet's highest productivity ratios? That value-added in manufacturing on the island totals $10.02 for every dollar of production worker wages, more than double the mainland US average of $4.64?[7]
That... the zip code 00601 is the lowest assigned to any geographic place in the United States or its territories and belongs to Adjuntas, Puerto Rico?[8]
That... the world's first known Walk-A-Thon took place in Puerto Rico in 1953, and that it was organized by Puerto Rican comedian Ramón "Diplo" Rivero? "Diplo" walked 80 miles from the capital city of San Juan, crossing Puerto Rico up and down the treacherous mountain roads of Cayey, known as "La Piquiña", to Ponce, on the other side of the island, to raise money for the Liga Puertorriqueña Contra el Cáncer (the Puerto Rican League Against Cancer).[10]
That... the Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center is the oldest Antillean Indian ceremonial and sports complex yet uncovered in Puerto Rico? Within its boundaries is also the largest indigenous cemetery yet discovered – consisting of 186 human skeletons, most from the Igneri and the rest from the pre-Taíno cultures.[11] Based on the orientation of the ceremonial plazas, this is also believed to be the oldest astronomical observatory in the Antilles.[12]
That... the Bomba is a music, rhythm and dance that was brought by West African slaves to the island of Puerto Rico.[13] and that the Plena was brought to Ponce by blacks who immigrated north from the English-speaking islands south of Puerto Rico?
That... the word Piragua (pi·ra·güa) in most Spanish-speaking countries means pirogue, a small, flat-bottomed boat?[15] However, that in Puerto Rico the word piragua refers to a frozen treat made of shaved ice and covered with fruit flavored syrup? The piragua is pointy and shaped like a pyramid. The word piragua is derived from the combination of the Spanish words "pirámide" (pyramid) and "agua" (water).[16] In Latin America, frozen treats similar to the piragua are known by many different names.[17]
That... the island of Puerto Rico was originally christened as "San Juan Bautista" (St. John the Baptist), whose capital was called Puerto Rico? That over the years, the names of the island and the capital were exchanged, and San Juan Bautista became the name of the capital while Puerto Rico became the name of the island?
That... slaves in Puerto Rico were branded on the forehead with a stamp so people would know they were brought in legally and it prevented them from being kidnapped? The method of hot branding was no longer used after 1784. See: African immigration to Puerto Rico[21]
That... the Puerto Rican coat of arms is the oldest official national seal still used in the Americas?
That... in 1596, Sir Francis Drake, the famed British Admiral who defeated the Spanish Armada, was defeated twice in his attempts to take San Juan and that he died of dysentery while attacking the island?
That... the English settlers who established Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, first stopped in Puerto Rico for provisions before heading towards Virginia? Yes, from April 5 to 10, 1607 the ships Godspeed, Susan Constant and Discovery made stops in Vieques, southern Puerto Rico, and Mona and Monito Islanda on their way to Virginia.[citation needed]
That... Puerto Rico met the requirements to be defined as a nation well before the Pilgrims came to the United States?
That... on February 17, 1797, the Spanish-appointed governor of Puerto Rico, Brigadier Ramón de Castro believed that the local residents and foreigners of English and Irish descent supported the anti-Spanish military campaign and ordered to place them under surveillance, plus that many were given eight days to leave the island and those who did not leave were imprisoned?[22] Many of the people in Puerto Rico, among them Treasury official Felipe Antonio Mejía, were outraged at Castro's actions and came to the defense of the Irish. See: Irish immigration to Puerto Rico
That... the bronze statue of Juan Ponce de León in the center of the Plaza de San Juan was made from British cannons captured during Sir Ralph Abercromby's attack in 1797?
That... in 1821, Marcos Xiorro, a bozal slave, planned and conspired to lead a slave revolt against the sugar plantation owners and the Spanish Colonial government in Puerto Rico?[23]
That... in 1822, there was an attempt, known as the Ducoudray Holstein Expedition, conceived, carefully planned and organized by General Henri La Fayette Villaume Ducoudray Holstein to invade Puerto Rico and declare it the "República Boricua"[24] and that General Ducoudray Holstein intended to make the city of Mayagüez the capital of the island?[24] The plans of the invasion were soon disclosed to the Spanish authorities and the plot never materialized.
That... Old San Juan has more than four hundred carefully restored 16th and 17th century Spanish colonial buildings?
That... Corsicans and those of Corsican descent have played an instrumental role in the development of the economy of the island, especially in the coffee industry? See: Corsican immigration to Puerto Rico[25]
That... in 1858, wired communication in Puerto Rico began in the town of Arroyo, the first in Latin America, when Samuel Morse introduced the telegraph into the island?[26]
That... when the United States enacted the Chinese Exclusion Act on May 6, 1882, many Chinese in the United States fled to Puerto Rico? They established small niches and worked in restaurants and laundries.[27]
That... Puerto Rico once had a President? Francisco Ramírez Medina, who participated in the Grito de Lares, was temporarily named President of the "Republic of Puerto Rico" on September 28, 1868, until the revolt was ended by the Spanish Colonial Government?.
That... Puerto Rico had an official currency (coins) minted and in circulation in 1898, and that extant samples of these coins in pristine condition are extremely valuable?
That... Puerto Rico had an its own postage stamps and that the first stamps inscribed "Puerto Rico" were issued in 1873?[29]
That... the Intentona de Yauco of March 26, 1897, was the last major uprising against Spanish Colonial rule in the island?[30]
That... Puerto Rico has been a territory of the United States since 1898?
That... after the Spanish–American War and up to 1904, Puerto Ricans were considered as "aliens" in the United States?[32]
That... the public display of the Puerto Rican Flag was once considered a felony (from 1892 to 1954) and that anyone who did so could end up in jail?
That... in 1906, Theodore Roosevelt, the first US president to travel outside the United States, made a stop in Puerto Rico (thus, becoming the first president to visit the island) and that he stayed overnight in Ponce?[33]
That... in 1914, the Revenue CutterAlgonquin, which was stationed in the Caribbean, set sail with a crew of fifteen Hispanic-Americans (a fourth of the cutter's complement) to San Juan, Puerto Rico to assist the Puerto Ricans battling fires that threatened to destroy parts of that city? In 1915, the City of San Juan, Puerto Rico, paid tribute to the crew of the cutter Algonquin and presented them with an Official Resolution of Thanks.[34]
That ... in 1948, Luis Muñoz Marín presided over the Puerto Rican legislature which was controlled by the Partido Popular Democrático, (PPD) (Popular Democratic Party) and that they approved the infamous "Ley de la Mordaza" known as Puerto Rico's Gag Law and that it became law with the signature of the United States-appointed governor Jesús T. Piñero? Did you also know that the law made it a crime to own or display a Puerto Rican flag, to sing a patriotic tune, to speak or write of independence, or to meet with anyone, or hold any assembly, with regard to the political status of Puerto Rico, violating the First Amendment of the US Constitution?[38]
That ... A cartoon which appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1899, depicted the people of the newly acquired United States possessions, including Puerto Rico, as black savage children?[41]
History
Coat of Arms of Puerto Rico
Statue of Juan Ponce de León
Puerto Rican Flag (1892 version)
The Revolutionary flag of Lares "The first Puerto Rican Flag"
Jamestown route in a marker in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican flag removed by a member of the National Guard after the 1950 Nationalist Party uprising in the town of Jayuya, the Jayuya Uprising, part of an island-wide revolt against United States colonial control.
Cartoon in Philadelphia Inquirer in 1899, depicting Puerto Ricans, as black savage children
Law enforcement
Sonia Sotomayor – U.S. Supreme Court Justice
That... in 1950, the authorities in Puerto Rico placed a US$10,000 bounty on the head of outlaw Antonio Correa Cotto, either dead or alive, which was a first in the crime annals of the island?..[42]
That...Nicholas Estavillo, NYPD Chief of Patrol (Ret.) - is the first Puerto Rican and the first Hispanic in the history of the NYPD to reach the three-star rank of Chief of Patrol?[44]
That... Dora Irizarry was the first female Hispanic state judge in New York?
That... Irma Lozada was the first female police officer to die in action in New York?[45]
That... Roberto Rivera-Soto, Associate Justice, is the first Puerto Rican and Latino New Jersey State Supreme Court Justice?
That... Joe Sánchez is a former New York City police officer who is the author of "Latin Blues", "True Blue: A Tale of the Enemy Within", "Red Herring" and "Yellow Streak" books which give an insight as to the corruption within the NYPD Department?[46]
That... the first shot fired by the United States in World War I was in Puerto Rico and not in Europe? The first shot was made by Sergeant Encarnación Correa, upon orders of Lt. Teófilo Marxuach, against the "Odenwald", an armed German supply ship which tried to force its way out of San Juan Bay and deliver supplies to the German submarines waiting in the Atlantic Ocean.
That... Lieutenant General Pedro del Valle, the first Hispanic to reach the rank of Lieutenant General in the Marine Corps, played an instrumental role in World War II when he and the Marines under his command defeated the Japanese forces in Okinawa and that he was in charge of the reorganization of that island?
That... Sergeant First Class Agustín Ramos Calero born in Isabela, with 22 decorations was the most decorated Hispanic soldier in the United States military during World War II?
That... during the Korean War, the Battle of Outpost Kelly accounted for seventy-three of the men missing in action from the total of 121 men reported MIAs of Puerto Rico's 65th Infantry Regiment[50] and that out of the seventy-three MIAs suffered by the regiment in the month of September, fifty of them occurred on the same day September 18? See: Puerto Ricans Missing in Action in the Korean War[51]
That... ninety-five members of Puerto Rico's 65th Infantry Regiment were court-martialed in what is considered the largest mass court-martial of the Korean War?
That... Colonel Virgil R. Miller, a native of San Germán, Puerto Rico, was the Regimental Commander of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most decorated unit in the U.S. military history, a unit which was composed of "Nisei" (second generation Americans of Japanese descent), during World War II?[52][53]
That... Staff Sgt. Modesto Cartagena, U.S. Army, is the most decorated Hispanic in history?
That... Capt. Miguel Enríquez, was a pirate in the latter part of the 17th century who fought and defeated the British Navy in Vieques and was granted the privileges of privateer by the Spanish Crown?[54]
That... Brigadier General Antonio Maldonado in 1965 became the youngest person to pilot a B-52 aircraft?
That... Colonel Héctor Andrés Negroni was the first Puerto Rican graduate of the United States Air Force Academy?
That... Capt. María Inés Ortiz was the first Puerto Rican nurse to die in combat and the first Army nurse to die in Iraq?
That... Rear Admiral Frederick Lois Riefkohl was the first Puerto Rican to graduate from the United States Naval Academy and the first Puerto Rican to be awarded the Navy Cross, a military decoration second only to the Medal of honor?
That... Capt. Ángel Rivero Méndez fired the first shot against the Americans in the Spanish–American War in Puerto Rico and later invented the "Kola Champagne"?
That... Master Sgt. Pedro Rodríguez, was awarded two Silver Star Medals in one week?
That... General Manuel Goded Llopis was a high ranking Puerto Rican in the Spanish Army, who was one of the first generales to join Spanish General Francisco Franco in the revolt against the Spanish Republican government in what is known as the Spanish Civil War?[55]
That... the U.S. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads was meant to be the Pearl Harbor of the Atlantic and that it was the largest naval installation in the world? Yes, in 1940, when Germany attacked Great Britain, the United States feared that if Germany controlled Great Britain, Mexico and the U.S. would be next. In 1940, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt ordered the construction of a naval base in the Atlantic similar to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The site was meant to provide anchorage, docking, repair facilities, fuel, and supplies for 60% of the Atlantic Fleet. The naval base, which was named U.S. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, became the largest naval installation in the world in land mass. The fate of the base was changed after the Germans were defeated and the Navy's attention shifted from the Atlantic to the Pacific.[57]
That... the ship which captured Roberto Cofresí and his crew in 1825, the U.S. Grampus, was lost at sea with all its crew in 1843?[60]
That... in October 1918, Dr. Dolores Piñero, a native of San Juan, became the first Puerto Rican woman doctor to serve in the United States Army under contract during World War I?[61]
That... Captain Juan de Amezquita defended Puerto Rico from an invasion by the Dutch in 1625 and wounded Captain Balduino Enrico (Boudewijn Hendricksz) in a sword fight during the process?[66]
That... in World War II, Private First Class Joseph (José) R. Martínez , born in San Germán, Puerto Rico, became the first Puerto Rican to be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, second only to the Medal of Honor, when he destroyed a German Infantry unit and tank by providing heavy artillery fire, saving his platoon from being attacked in the process?[67][68]
That... Sergeants José and Francisco Díaz, members of the Toa Alta Militia who helped defeat Sir Ralph Abercromby and defend Puerto Rico from a British invasion in 1797, were cousins?[69]
That... Captain Félix Arenas Gaspar was a Puerto Rican Captain in the Spanish Army who was posthumously awarded the Cruz Laureada de San Fernando (Spain's version of the Medal of Honor) for his actions in the Rif War?[71]
That... Brigadier General José M. Portela was and still is the youngest C-141 Starlifter aircraft commander and captain in the United States Air Force at age 26?[72]
That... during the Intentona de Yauco of March 26, 1897, the current version of the Flag of Puerto Rico was flown on the island for the first time by Fidel Vélez?[30]
That... CWO2 Joseph B. Avilés, Sr. was the first Hispanic promoted Chief Petty Officer and later the first Hispanic Chief Warrant Officer in the United States Coast Guard?[74]
That... Private First Class Fernando Luis García was the first Puerto Rican, from a total of nine, to be awarded the Medal of Honorposthumously and that his remains were never recovered? There is a headstone with García's name in the Puerto Rico National Cemetery in the city of Bayamón, Puerto Rico.
That... On January 6, 1914, First Lieutenant Bernard L. Smith established the Marine Section of the Navy Flying School in the island municipality of Culebra?[75] As the number of Marine Aviators grew so did the avid desire to separate from Naval Aviation.[76] By doing so, the Marine Aviation was designated as separate from the United States Naval Aviation. The creation of a "Marine Corps Aviation Company" in Puerto Rico consisted of ten officers and forty enlisted men.[77]
That... when the United States entered World War II, the military was in need of nurses and that Puerto Rican nurses wanted to volunteer for service, however they were not accepted into the Army or Navy Nurse Corps?[78] In 1944, the Army Nurse Corps (ANC) decided to accept Puerto Rican nurses.
That... In 1963, the Air National Guard Base, at the San Juan International airport in Puerto Rico, was renamed "Muñiz Air National Guard Base" in honor of Lieutenant Colonel José Antonio Muñiz, a co-founder of the "PRANG"?[79]
That... Lieutenant Colonel Olga E. Custodio made history when she became the first female Hispanic U.S. military pilot and that after retiring from the military she became the first Latina to become a commercial airline captain?[81]
That ... On September 11, 2001, Marc H. Sasseville, now a Brigadier General, was given the mission of finding United Airlines Flight 93 and destroying it, even if it meant ramming the plane. The tactic would be similar to the suicide military tactics known as kamikaze missions used by the military aviators from the Empire of Japan in World War II?[82]
That ... On June 10, 2014, the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Bill was signed by President Barack Obama, thus making the 65th Infantry Regiment the first military unit composed almost entirely of Puerto Ricans to receive such an honor?[85]
That ... Brigadier General Irene M. Zoppi is the first Puerto Rican female to reach the rank of Brigadier General in the United States Armed Forces?[86]
That ... Marta Carcana is the first woman Adjutant General of the Puerto Rican National Guard?[87][88]
That ... President Barack Obama awarded the Medal of Honor to Juan E. Negrón, Demensio Rivera, Miguel Vera and Félix Conde Falcón bringing the total Puerto Rican recipients of said honor to nine? Prior to the Medal of Honor upgrade, which was made on March 18, 2014, they all had been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross Medal.[89]
That... the Puerto Rico Trench, roughly parallel to the island and 75 miles north, is home to the deepest submarine depression in the North Atlantic Ocean, and that the deepest point in the Atlantic Ocean, the Milwaukee Depth (27,493 ft / 8,380 m), lies within the trench?
That... the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico is one of the oldest protected areas in the Western Hemisphere by virtue of having been set aside by the Spanish Crown in 1876 while Puerto Rico was still part of the Spanish Empire? Was designated a United Nations Biosphere Reserve in 1976.
That... Flamenco Beach located in Culebra was rated the second most beautiful beach in the world?
That... the Baños de Coamo are Puerto Rico's only thermal springs?
That... the Common coquí or Coquí (Eleutherodactylus coqui) a frog native to Puerto Rico, is a very important aspect of Puerto Rican culture and it has become an unofficial territorial symbol of Puerto Rico?[91]
That... Puerto Rico's beaches come in every size, color, and form, from the pure white dunes of Isabela to the black volcanic sands near Punta Santiago?[92]
People
External audio
You may view: Civil Rights- Mendez vs. Westminster; By: Óscar Rosales in which Felícitas Méndez played an instrumental role
here.
That... in 1907, Antonio Paoli, born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, recorded the first opera in history "Pagliacci" by Ruggiero Leoncavallo and that Paoli was known as the Tenor of Kings and the King of Tenors?[93]
That... Félix Rigau Carrera was the first Puerto Rican pilot and the first pilot to fly on air mail carrying duties in Puerto Rico?[94]
That... Melliangee Pérez was awarded the Soprano of the Year award by UNESCO?[95]
That... Juan Mari Brás was the first person to receive a Puerto Rican citizenship certificate from the Puerto Rico State Department since the establishment of the Commonwealth in 1952, an action which has been since questioned by the United States Department of State?
That... José de Diego was in the audience in January 1916, when Jesús María Sanromá debuted at the Puerto Rican Ateneo and that he was so impressed with Sanromá that he persuaded the government to give Sanromá a grant of 600 dólares?[99]
That... Rafael Alers became the first Puerto Rican to compose the music score for a Hollywood movie, when he was hired for such a task for the 1956 movie "Crowded Paradise", directed by Fred Pressburger?[100]
That... Dr. Carlos Albizu Miranda is the first Hispanic Educator to have a North American University renamed in his honor and one of the first Hispanics to earn a PhD. in psychology in the United States?[102]
That... Dr. Héctor Feliciano, is the author of "The Lost Museum: The Nazi Conspiracy to Steal the World's Greatest Works of Art", a book which proved the corrupt relationship between Europe's art museums and art dealers with the Nazi art looters of World War II and that his book forced the French government to display in public thousands of art works acquired from looters?.[108]
That... Clara Livingston, born in New York but who lived in Dorado, Puerto Rico since she was five years old, in 1927 became the first Puerto Rican female pilot and that at the time that she earned her flying license she was only the eleventh woman pilot to do so?[109]
That... Isabel González a young, pregnant, single Puerto Rican mother challenged the Government of the United States when she was detained in Ellis Island in the groundbreaking case "GONZALES v. WILLIAMS" a case which helped pave the way for Puerto Ricans to be recognized as American citizens?[32]
That... Dr. Agustín Stahl, Puerto Rico's first renowned scientist, was the first person to adorn a Christmas tree in Puerto Rico? It happened in his backyard in Bayamón in 1866.[110]
That... Jaime Fonalledas is the President and CEO of Empresas Fonalledas Inc., which owns Plaza Las Américas, the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean and one of the top retail and entertainment venues in the world?[111]
That... Obed Gómez, a Puerto Rican visual artist, is known as "The Puerto Rican Picasso"?
That... Marie Teresa Ríos, the mother of Medal of Honor recipient Humbert Roque Versace, was the author of the book The Fifteen Pelicans and that popular 1960s television sitcom The Flying Nun was based on her book?
That... Blanca Canales may possibly have been the first woman to have led a revolt against the United States when she led the Jayuya Uprising?[112]
That... Juano Hernández was a pioneering Puerto Rican actor of African descent and the first Puerto Rican star in the African-American film industry?
That... Rafael Cancel Miranda was the only Nationalist out of the four who participated on the March 1, 1954 United States Capitol shooting incident to have been jailed in Alcatraz?
That... both Rafael Carrión, Sr., the founder of Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, the largest bank in Puerto Rico and the largest Hispanic bank in the United States,[117] and Angel Ramos, the founder of Telemundo, the second largest Spanish-language television network in the United States, were orphans born to poor families and neither had college degrees?
That... Augusto Rodríguez, the founder of the Choir of the University of Puerto Rico, was also the founder of the Hebrew Festival Chorus of San Juan's Jewish community?
That... Juan Emilio Viguié, a pioneer in Puerto Rico's film industry, produced "Romance Tropical" the first Puerto Rican film with sound which in itself was also the second Spanish movie in the world with sound?[40]
That... Nine Puerto Ricans have been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, an award bestowed by the President of the United States and which is the highest civilian award in the United States?
That... Three Puerto Ricans have been awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal, an award bestowed by the President of the United States and which is the second highest civilian award in the United States?
That... In 2013, the Guinness World Records certified that Guillermo José Torres broke the record of being the anchorman with the longest career in the same station after forty-three years?[118]
That... Elsa Miranda, a native of Ponce, was a popular vocalist and that she participated in the first "Chiquita Banana" commercial where she sang the jingle? Puls, the she is considered to be the most famous Miss Chiquita?[120]
That.... The Miss Universe Contest of 2003, was the first time in that pageant history that two women of Puerto Rican heritage, Susie Castillo and Carla Tricoli, participated at the same time representing different countries? Castillo represented the United States and Tricoli Puerto Rico.
That.... Deirdre Connelly, a native of San Juan, was recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the 50 most powerful women in business for 8 consecutive years (2007–2014)?[121]
That... Jesús T. Piñero was not the first native Puerto Rican governor of Puerto Rico? That honor belongs to Juan Ponce de León II, who in 1597 became the first native Puerto Rican to assume, temporarily, the governorship of Puerto Rico.
That... Felisa Rincón de Gautier (also known as Doña Fela) was the first woman to be elected as the mayor of a capital city in any of the Americas?
That... in 1937, Óscar García Rivera, Sr. became the first Puerto Rican to be elected to public office in the continental United States and in 1956 he also became the first Puerto Rican to be nominated as the Republican candidate for Justice of the City Court?[124]
That... Nydia Velázquez was the first Puerto Rican woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress?[125]
That... José María Marxuach Echavarría was the only Puerto Rican to serve as the Mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico under both Spanish and American rule? He served in 1897 for the Liberal Reformista Party and again from 1900 to 1901 for the Puerto Rican Republican Party[126]
That... María Luisa Arcelay was the first woman in Puerto Rico and in all of Latin America to be elected to a government legislative body?[127]
That... Carmen E. Arroyo was the first Puerto Rican woman elected to any state assembly and chair of the New York Hispanic Legislative Caucus?
That... Herman Badillo was the first Puerto Rican to serve in U.S. Congress?
That... Dr. Antonio Fernós-Isern, former Resident Commissioner, was the first Puerto Rican cardiologist?
That... María de las Mercedes Barbudo (1773–1849) was a political activist who was the first female "Independentista" meaning that she was the first Puerto Rican woman to become an avid advocate of Puerto Rican Independence,[128] and that she was involved with the Puerto Rican Independence Movement which had ties with the Venezuelan rebels led by Simón Bolívar and who were against Spanish colonial rule in Puerto Rico.?[129]
That... one of the most popular Christmas songs in the United States "Feliz Navidad" was written by a Puerto Rican, José Feliciano?
That... in 2003 José Miguel Agrelot's radio show, Alegre Despertar (Joyful Awakening), held the world's record for the longest-running still active radio show, running non-stop for fifty-three years?
That... in the classic film West Side Story, an epic Romeo and Juliet tale about the rivalry between a Puerto Rican and Italian-American gang, the only actual Puerto Rican cast was Rita Moreno?
That... the reggaetón was developed in Puerto Rico and has since then spread to other places around the world?
That... aside from a strong presence in music, sports, literature, politics, television, radio, etc., Puerto Rico also has a presence in the voice acting industry with voice actors such as Tony Oliver?
That... the myth of the Chupacabra has its origins in Puerto Rico?
That... after the United States, Puerto Rico is tied with Mexico in hosting the most Miss Universe contests and has the third most titleholders following the United States and Venezuela?
That... the music video for the song "Menor Que Yo" cost $60,000?[141]
That...Casa Amadeo, antigua Casa Hernandez, located at 786 Prospect Ave., Bronx, New York, is a historic apartment building, listed in the National Register of Historic Places on March 23, 2001 (reference #01000244), which houses the Casa Amadeo music store, the oldest, continuously occupied Latin music store in the Bronx having opened in 1941? The music shop once belonged to Victoria Hernández, sister of the world-famous Latin composer Rafael Hernandez. Mike Amadeo, a fellow Puerto Rican, purchased the business from Victoria in 1969.[142]
That ... Despacito, a song written by Luis Fonsi, Ramón (Daddy Yankee) Ayala and Erika Ender, received its one billionth view on April 20, 2017, after 97 days, becoming the second-fastest video on the site to reach the milestone behind Adele's "Hello" in "YouTube"? That it received its two billionth view on June 16 after 154 days, making it the fastest video on the site to reach the milestone? And with its 3.3 million certified sales plus track-equivalent streams, "Despacito" is one of the best-selling Latin singles in the United States?[143]
That ... Nedra Talley a founding member of "The Ronettes", who were inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, has Puerto Rican blood flowing in her veins from her father's side of the family?[144]
That ... White Tiger a.k.a. Hector Ayala, is the first Puerto Rican superhero in the history of comics,[145] and Marvel's first superhero of Latino descent? The superhero was featured in the edition of "Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #19" which came out in December 1975. Did you know that he is also the uncle of White Tiger Angela del Toro and the brother of White Tiger Ava Ayala who are also Puerto Rican?
That...Anya Corazon, Marvel Coimics new Spider Girl is half Puerto Rican and half Mexican? According to the storyline her father is a Puerto Rican named Emil Corazon.[149]
That...Puerto Rican based boy band Menudo had millions of fans worldwide?[150]
Popular culture
Teatro Puerto Rico
Chayanne
Casa Amadeo, antigua Casa Hernandez in the Bronx, New York.
That... Bishop Juan Alejo de Arizmendi (July 17, 1760-October 12, 1814) was a patriot and the first Puerto Rican to be consecrated Bishop and that he was immortalized by Puerto Rican artist José Campeche in a painting in 1803?[156]
That... world-renowned religious minister and member of the Honorary Committee of The Presidential Prayer Team, Rev. Nicky Cruz was once the leader of a notorious New York City street gang called The Mau Maus?
That... the Cathedral of San Juan, Puerto Rico, built in the 1520s, is one of the oldest Cathedrals in the Western Hemisphere, and that it contains the marble tomb of the island's first governor and discoverer of FloridaJuan Ponce de León?
That... On August 15, 1982, Reverend Nilda Ernestina Lucca Oliveras became the first Puerto Rican woman to be ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church of Puerto Rico, and the first in Latin America?[159]
Religion
Iglesia Santísima Trinidad of Ponce
The Porta Coeli Convent church in the San Germán Historic District
Painting of Juan Alejo de Arizmendi by José Campeche
Science
That... in 1929, Puerto Rican nurse Rosa A. González wrote "Los Hechos Desconocidos" (The Unknown Facts), a book in which she denounced the discrimination against women and nurses in Puerto Rico? The book convinced James R. Beverley, the Interim Governor of Puerto Rico, to sign Ley 77 (Law 77) in May 1930, which established a Nurses Examining Board.[98]
That... the largest single-aperture telescope ever to be constructed is the Arecibo Observatory located near the city of Arecibo in Puerto Rico?
That... according to an article written by Margarita Santori López for the official newspaper of the University of Puerto Rico's Mayagüez Campus, "Prensa RUM", as of 2003, of the 114 Hispanics working at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, 70 were Puerto Ricans or of Puerto Rican descent?[160]
That... on May 6, 2004, Joseph M. Acabá became the first person of Puerto Rican descent to become an astronaut and that in October 2008, he was the first Puerto Rican to go into space?[161]
That... Dr. Nitza Margarita Cintrón, is the first Hispanic to be named Chief of Space Medicine and Health Care Systems Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center?[162]
That... Dr. Orlando Figueroa a.k.a. NASAMarsCzar was the Director for Mars Exploration and the Director for the Solar System Division in the Office of Space Science at NASA Headquarters?[166]
That... Dr. Pedro Rodríguez, the Director of a test laboratory at NASA and inventor of a portable, battery-operated lift seat for people suffering from knee arthritis is the son of the late salsa singer Pellín Rodríguez?[171]
That... Monserrate Román, a Puerto Rican scientist in NASA, helped NASA build part of the International Space Station. She is the Chief Microbiologist for the Environmental Control and Life Support System project which determines how microbes will behave under different situations and in different locations, such as the nooks and crannies of the Space Station?[172]
That... Dr. Victor Manuel Blanco, an astronomer, has the distinction of having a galactic cluster and the largest 4-m telescope in the Southern Hemisphere named after him?[173]
That... Fermín Tangüis, developed the Tanguis cotton in Peru and saved that nation's cotton industry?[174]
That... Dr. Pedro Beauchamp, The first Puerto Rican specialist certified by the American Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Board, performed the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) technique in the island in 1985?[175]
That... Dr. María Cordero Hardy's research on vitamin E helped other scientists understand about how the vitamin works in the human body?[176]
That... Dr. Mario R. García Palmieri, a cardiologist, is the first Hispanic to have the distinction of being designated a "Master" by the American College of Cardiology?[177]
That... Dr. Isaac González Martínez, a urologist, was the first Puerto Rican urologist and a pioneer in the fight against cancer in the island?[178]
That... Fernando López Tuero an agricultural scientist and agronomist, discovered the bug (believed at first to be a germ) which was destroying Puerto Rico's sugar canes?[179]
That...Dr. Diego R. Solís, a physician, made Puerto Rican medical history when he performed the first simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant in Puerto Rico?[181]
That... Dr. Ramón M. Suárez Calderón, a scientist, cardiologist, educator and hematologist, carried out investigations that led to the identification of the proper and effective treatment of a type of anemia known as tropical sprue, the application of complex methods, such as electrocardiography and radioisotope, to be used in clinics and the identification and treatment of the disease which causes heart rheumatism?[179]
That... before Christopher Columbus and the SpanishConquistadors landed on the island of "Borikén" (Puerto Rico), the Taínos who inhabited the island depended on their astronomical observations for the cultivation of their crops?.[182]
That... the School of Tropical Medicine, was an educational institution created in 1926 by an act of the Puerto Rican Legislature, to further the research initiated by the Anemia Commissions and the Institute of Tropical Medicine on anemia and its causes? Did you also know that the institution existed as an independent entity until 1949, when it was integrated into the School of Medicine of the University of Puerto Rico and its building is in the National Register of Historical Places?
That ... Dr. Yajaira Sierra Sastre is the only Hispanic, selected to participate in a four-month long, Mars analog mission funded by NASA. Sierra Sastre aspires to become the first Puerto Rican woman to travel to outer space?[183]
Science
Rosa A. Gonzalez, RN
Arecibo Observatory
Joseph M. Acabá
The "Victor M. Blanco Telescope" also known as "the Blanco 4m"
You may watch Roberto Clemente's hit number 3,000 here
That... before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, the Taínos who lived in the island played a ball game called "Batey" in which the winners were treated like heroes and the losers were sacrificed?.[184]
That... Roberto Clemente's hit number 3,000th was his last hit ever in the Major Leagues?[185]
That... Roberto Clemente is the only Puerto Rican to posthumously be awarded both the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Presidential Citizens Medal? The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award and the Presidential Citizens Medal the second highest civilian award bestowed by the President of the United States.
That... the youngest person ever to have won a world boxing championship is Wilfred Benítez?
That... Carly Colón, known internationally by his ring name Carlito is the first professional wrestler to ever win a title in two separate debuts in WWE history?
That... Carlos Beltrán has the smallest ratio of at-bats between home-runs in playoff contention in Mayor League Baseball's history with a total of eleven homeruns in twenty two games and that he holds the record of consecutive playoff games with a homerun with five consecutive games?
That... Wilfredo Gómez won thirty two straight fights by knockout thus making him, along with Deontay Wilder, the world champions with the longest knockout streak in boxing history?
That... Jesse Vassallo lost the opportunity to defend his world records (200 and 200 meters individual medley) when the United States boycotted the Olympics in Moscow?
That... Emilio "Millito" Navarro (born September 26, 1905) was the first Puerto Rican to play baseball in the Negro Leagues and that at 102, was also the oldest living professional baseball player to have played in the Negro Leagues?[191]
That... Orlando Antigua, whose mother is Puerto Rican, in 1995, became the first Hispanic and the first non-black in 52 years to play for the Harlem Globetrotters?[193]
That... Pedro Montañez, also known as El Torito De Cayey (The Little Bull of Cayey), considered by many to be one of the best boxers in history, never won a world title? In his career he was 92–7–4.[194]
That... Professional wrestler Pedro Morales in 1995 became the first and only Puerto Rican inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame?
That... Alfred "Butch" Lee, became the first Puerto Rican to play in the NBA when in 1978 he was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks. Lee was also the first Puerto Rican to play on the NBA play-offs as a member of the 79-80 Los Angeles Lakers. He was awarded an NBA Championship ring, even though he did not participate in the "Finals" because of his injuries.
That... José Juan Barea made history, by becoming the first Puerto Rican to play in the "Finals" for a winning NBA Championship team, when the Dallas Mavericks were crowned the 2011 NBA Finals Champions?
That ... In 1942, Hirám Bithorn became the first Puerto Rican to play in the major leagues?
That ... In 1980 Alberto Mercado was the only Puerto Rican ("American" citizen) to actually participate in the Moscow Olympics?
That ... Herbert Lewis Hardwick a.k.a. "Cocoa Kid" was the only Puerto Rican member of boxings "Black Murderers' Row" and that he was the only Hispanic to win the World Colored Championships in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions? On June 10, 2012, Hardwick was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame[195]
That... Leon Day, a pitcher in the Negro Leagues who played for "Los Tiburones de Aguadilla" (the "Aguadilla Sharks"), loved Puerto Rico so much that when he was inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame in 1995 he was enshrined with a cap on his plaque that depicts him as an "Aguadilla Shark"? He is the only Hall of Famer to be enshrined with a cap of a team outside the mainland United States.[196]
That... the first time that a Puerto Rican Ski Team was sent to represent the island in an Olympic Winter ski competition was in the 1988 Winter Olympics, officially known as the "XV Olympic Winter Games", celebrated in Calgary, Alberta, Canada?[199]
That... Mary Pat Wilson, who participated in the 1988 Olympics Games, is Puerto Rico's first and only female Olympic skier?[199]
That... On August 13, 2016, Monica Puig won Puerto Rico's first gold medal in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, exactly 68 years to the day when Juan Evangelista Venegas won the first Olympic Medal (Bronze) for Puerto Rico in the 1948 Olympics celebrated in London, United Kingdom?
That... On October 28, 2018, Alex Cora, became the first Puerto Rican to manage a World Series winning team when the Boston Red Sox defeated the LA Dodgers?[200]
^Guillermo A. Baralt. Slave revolts in Puerto Rico: conspiracies and uprisings, 1795-1873. Publisher Markus Wiener Publishers. ISBN1558764631, 9781558764637.
^ abCedó Alzamora, Federico (2010). Mayagüez Capital de la República Boricua(PDF) (in Spanish) (2 ed.). Mayagüez: Oficina de Publicaciones Históricas, Museo Eugenio María de Hostos, Departamento de Arte y Cultura, Gobierno Municipal de Mayagüez. p. 44. [dead link]
^ ab"Historia militar de Puerto Rico"; by Héctor Andrés Negroni (Author); Publisher: Sociedad Estatal Quinto Centenario (1992); Language: Spanish; ISBN-10: 8478441387; ISBN-13: 978-8478441389
^Condon, John Pomeroy (1993). "U.S. Marine Corps Aviation". 75th Year of Naval Aviation – Volume Five of a Commemorative Collection. History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. p. 3. Retrieved August 24, 2009.[dead link]
^"Scientist from Puerto Rico, Maria Cordero Hardy (American Women in Science Biography)" By: Mary Ellen Verheyden-Hilliard; Publisher: Equity Institute; First edition. edition (June 1985); ISBN-10: 0932469027; ISBN-13: 978-0932469021
^Paul Rober Walker (1988). "The way of the Jibaro". Pride of Puerto Rico: The life of Roberto Clemente. United States: Harcourt Brace & Company. p. 3. ISBN0-15-307557-0. Roberto's father, Don Melchor Clemente, worked as foreman in the sugar fields.
Héctor Lavoe (September 30, 1946 - June 29, 1993) was an internationally renowned Puerto Ricansalsa singer born and raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Lavoe joined Willie Colón's band, performing as the band vocalist, before forming his own band, performing as lead vocalist. Lavoe recorded several musical hits, including Bandolera, El periódico de ayer, Mi gente and El cantante (written by Ruben Blades just for him), reaching international star status. His career includes two stellar performances, one during the 1974 Congo promotional activities of the Ali-Foreman fight and a 1975 concert at Yankee stadium. However, Lavoe was stricken with several tragedies during his lifetime, including a lifelong addiction to heroin. After several failed attempts at a comeback, he died penniless from complications from AIDS. (more...)
And yet, despite this assault on their will and their historical destiny, the people of Puerto Rico have preserved their culture, their Latin character, their national feelings, which in themselves give proof of the implacable desire for independence lying within the masses on that Latin American island.
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