The United States National Parks System has over 400 parks, including places of great natural beauty and historic significance. Included in our magnificent parks system is the San Juan National Historic Site, which brings together the history of many European nations and the beginnings of our country. The native population of Puerto Rico, the Taino, inhabited the island for more than 1,000 years before the Spanish arrived in 1493, with the second expedition of Christopher Columbus. The Spanish claimed the island for Spain, calling it San Juan Bautista. In 1508, Juan Ponce De Leon, of the “Fountain of Youth” fame, founded the first settlement on the island. This port city…


