General Information
Vieques is a lovely Caribbean island located between Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. It is about 21 long x 4 miles wide with an area of 33,000 square acres. Fanned by the prevailing easterly Trade Winds, it is blessed with a sub-tropical climate marked by a mean temperature of 77 degrees in December and 81 degrees in June. The actual population is around 8,000 and the island is separated from the southeast coast of Puerto Rico by about 6 to 8 miles of sea, although the actual crossing distance from the mainland via ferry from Fajardo is 18 miles. Vieques is not an "action spot" with casinos and glitzy highrises but rather a peaceful place to relax and enjoy natures bounty. There are dozens of secluded beaches, shell grounds, coral reefs, archaeological digs, horseback trails in the inland hills and mangrove lagoons that serve as nesting and gathering places for 123 species of birds.
There are also historical monuments, concerts and festivals, but it's the 9000 people who make it special. With a rich heritage of Tanio, Spanish, Afro, Danish, French, British and US backgrounds, the Viequense are easygoing, slow to anger, friendly and tolerant.
History
1514
Cacimar and Yaureibo, Vieques' last Taino Indian chiefs, fight to the death against Spanish "conquistadores".
1688 and 1717
British subjects from nearby islands attempt to colonize "Crab Island', (the British name for Vieques). On both occasions they were ousted by the Spanish military.
1811
Don Salvador Melendez, governor of Puerto Rico, sends Juan Rossello to begin the systematic colonization of Vieques.
1816
Simon Bolivar, from Venezuela, the Great Liberator of the Americas, lands on Vieques.
1832 to 1843
Vieques is administered by the Frenchman Teophile J.J. Maria Le Guillou who serves as the Political and Military Governor of the Spanish Colony of Vieques. He is also known as the "Founder" of Vieques.
1830's till 1930's
Thousands of workers from Puerto Rico, The British and The Danish Virgin Islands come to work in Vieques initially thriving sugar industry. By 1900 the four main sugar grinding mills were located at Arcadia, Santa Maria, Esperanza and Playa Grande.
1844
Official founding of the town of Isabel Segunda (Queen of Spain), capital of Vieques.
1844 to 1855
Count Mirasol, the then governor of Puerto Rico, pushes for and achieves the construction of El Fortin Conde de Mirasol (The Fort). The was the last fort constructed on foreign soil by the Spanish Empire.
1874
The workers at Hacienda Playa Grande rebel. When the rebellion was over, seventy workers would be jailed at the Fort
1893
Puerto Mulas light house constructed at Isabel Segunda harbor. The following year, Puerto Ferro lighthouse is also built by the Spanish on the south coast of Vieques (now within the confines of the US Marines Camp Garcia)
1915
A strike by sugar workers ends in violence and the death of several workers. When the strike is over, 100 are imprisoned in the fort.
1930's
Economic depression brings crisis to Vieques. As sugar mills close, thousands migrate to Saint Croix in search of work.
1940's
The US Navy expropriates 26,000 acres (72%) of Vieques territory for maneuvers, bombing practice and storage of military explosives. The economic crisis deepens and the last sugar mill, Playa Grande, is forced to close.
1947
The US Interior Department plans to forcibly relocate Vieques' entire population to Saint Croix. This move is defeated.
1964
Organized opposition stops Navy attempt to expropriate the remaining south coast area.
1978-79
Fishermen and supporters block Naval maneuvers and bombardment in protest of environmental destruction and restrictions on use of fishing areas.
1980
The US Congress recommends the Navy leave Vieques.
1989
Navy attempts expropriation of Monte Carmelo Barrio Destino area. The eviction of people from their homes is blocked by supporters.
1989 - September 18th
Hurricane Hugo rips through and devastates Vieques. Over 80% of the buildings are destroyed. To it's credit the military help to rebuild the island.