PRE-1898: EARLY MIGRATION

Puerto Ricans migrate to the United States since the 1800s when Puerto Rico is still under Spain’s colonial rule. Traveling by steamship for four to five days, they leave the Island for both economic and political reasons. Emerging economic ties between the countries brings merchants to Northern cities especially New York, Bridgeport, New Haven, Boston and Philadelphia.

Political exiles and wealthy creoles seeking a safe haven and looking to build support for a revolution also arrive. Among them are Ramon Emeterio Betances and Eugenio Maria de Hostos who are forced to leave Puerto Rico because of their activities to abolish slavery and gain independence from Spain. The independence movement