aug 8, 1508 - Juan Ponce de Leon settles Caparra (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico)

Description:

1508, sir Ponce de Leon was chosen by the Spanish crown to lead the conquest and slavery of the Taino Indians for gold mining operations. The following year, the colony was abandoned in favor of a nearby is lit on the coast, name Puerto Rico which had a suitable harbor. On March 3, 1513, Juan Ponce de Leon organized and commenced an expedition with a crew of 200, including women and free blacks departing from Punta Aguada Puerto Rico.

He was appointed as the first governor in 1509 by the regent of Castile, Ferdinand V. Since Christopher Columbus‘s death in 1506, the Spanish crown had refused to recognize his heirs right to appoint governors of the west Indies, but in 1511 the council of Castile ruled in Diego Colón’s favor. As a result, Ponce de Leon lost his position and left the island not wishing to serve under Colón.

Added to timeline:

Date: