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The Indians advised Ponce de León that he would find gold on a neighboring island to the east, known as Boriquien (Puerto Rico). Four years later he crossed over and conquered the island. During the conquest he shared the honors with a famous greyhound dog named Bercerillo. It was said that the Indians were more afraid of ten Spaniards with the dog than one hundred with out him. Ponce de León was appointed governor of Puerto Rico by King Ferdinand of Spain (1452–1516). The island turned well-liked with other settlers as a result of it was properly run by Ponce de León and it had a large number of slaves and many pure assets. Ponce de León was also noted for his nonviolent therapy of the Indians, which was rare for the time.

Ponce by no means went anyplace near St. Augustine, town the place he's said to have found the Fountain of Youth. He was not an outdated man. That tale was concocted by Washington Irving greater than 300 years later. Ponce was after gold, however Florida had none to be found. He left and might by no means have returned however for the news that Cortés had discovered gold in Mexico. In 1521 Ponce — envious, vigorous, avaricious — made the fatal mistake of making an attempt his Florida luck once more.

Juan Ponce de Leon (1474-1521) was a Spanish explorer. He led the first European expedition to achieve what is now Florida. Ponce de Leon explored much of Florida whereas in search of an imaginary spring known as the Fountain of Youth. This spring supposedly restored yourth to outdated people who bathed in or drank its waters. Although he by no means discovered the fountain, he turned one of many first explorers to assert part of the North American mainland for Spain. He additionally conquered what's now Puerto Rico and governed the island for three years.

Previous San Juan is Puerto Rico's oldest settlement, lying on a small island that is related to the mainland by three bridges. This neighborhood is filled with historic colonial sites and is a should-see if you happen to just have a couple of hours to spend in Puerto on the free vacationer trolley and explore the many open-air cafes, museums, and shops that this neighborhood has to supply. Admire the structure and take a break in one of many many public a bit style of history, you possibly can take a look at the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista. This incredible building incorporates the tomb of the legendary Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon These are just a few of the unimaginable sites that will probably be at your fingertips in historic Previous San Juan.

Constructed in 1783, this age previous, Roman Catholic parish church situated in Cabo Rojo is a distinguished landmark of Puerto Rico The church is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mayagüez and has been designated as a historic monument by the federal government of this island. Visit to the San Juan Cathedral can be a non secular in addition Ponce De'Leioun to attention-grabbing experience. This second oldest cathedral within the western hemisphere, constructed in 1521, is an vintage building in San Juan. The mortal stays of Juan Ponce de León , the Spanish explorer and settlement founder, are entombed in this cathedral. It is usually outstandingly spectacular in its architectural model.