Porto Rico: Its History, Products and Possibilities

Porto Rico is presented as a lush, strategically vital island whose story stretches from Columbus’s first landing in 1493 through centuries of Spanish rule to its recent transfer to American hands. The opening chapters explore the lives of the original Borinquen peoples, describing their customs, physical traits, and the early encounters with explorers like Ponce de León, whose search for gold and mythic waters ended in disappointment. Readers get a vivid picture of an island once dismissed as lesser to Cuba, yet praised for its remarkable fertility and promise.

The book moves beyond antiquity, detailing the island’s topography, climate, and abundant natural products, then surveys its towns, population, and the evolving manners of its residents. Sections on the recent war, the naval lessons learned, and the American military’s role give a contemporary glimpse of how Porto Rico might develop under new governance. Throughout, the author balances factual reporting with a clear sense of optimism about the island’s future as a valuable addition to the United States.