Cobblestone American History Magazine for Kids - April 2018

A Fiesta of Flavors

There's no denying that Puerto Rico has a wealth of culture, a captivating past, and an abundance of scenic wonders. It should come as no surprise, then, that the island's food is also rich in fun and flavor. Traditional Borinquén fare has influences from around the world. It is rooted in native tastes. But it was blended with African cooking styles, refined with Spanish flavors, and later zested by Dutch, Irish, Italian, and even Chinese elements. No wonder the cuisine is nicknamed la cocina criolla, or "the creole kitchen!"

REMEMBERING ROBERTO CLEMENTE

Since baseball was introduced to the people of Puerto Rico in the 1890s, it has become the most popular sport on the island. Puerto Ricans brought the sport home after learning to play while visiting the United States. Baseball's popularity grew after the Spanish-American War in 1898. U.S. soldiers stationed in Puerto Rico played games against local clubs. By the 1930s, the island had its own professional league.

STATEHOOD

Independence, statehood, or status quo? Puerto Ricans have tried to address that question and their relationship with the United States-for more than 100 years. The island has held six referendums about the issue in the second half of the 20th century.

The United States Step In

By the early 1800s, the once-vast Spanish Empire was fading. Many of its original colonies in the Americas had fought for and won their independence. But Spain was determined to hold on to its few remaining territories. Puerto Rico was one of them.

SAN JUAN: Puerto Rico's Caribbean Jewel

When the Spanish settled San Juan in 1521, they quickly recognized the value of Puerto Rico's capital city. It became an important port, outpost, and gateway for exploration of the Americas. Spain's enemies, primarily the British and the Dutch, coveted its strategic military location. Its excellent harbor was one of the largest and best in the Caribbean.

Spanish Conquest

The promise of gold and a sea route to India. Those were the two J main reasons why Spain's King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella backed Christopher Columbus's voyages.

Getting Started

Puerto Rico is a small island with a big presence. Its rich heritage is pulled from a combination of Indigenous Taino people, Spanish conquerors, enslaved Africans, and its relationship with the United States. Most Puerto Ricans speak Spanish, but the island's official languages are Spanish and English.

A Son of the Revolution

Dark clouds of smoke spiraled into the sky over Breed's Hill as cannon roared.

MR. PRESIDENT

The Democratic-Republican party was the dominant U.S. political party in the first two decades of the 1800s.

Life of Service

Even for a person of John Quincy Adams's remarkable credentials, the practice of law was challenging.