Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Kingdom of Guatemala is established by the Spanish and includes much of Central America -
Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and the Mexican state of Chiapas.
1562
Spanish conquistadorJuan Vásquez de Coronado arrives in Costa Rica under the title of gov-
ernor, determined to move the fringe communities of Spanish settlers to the more hospitable
Central Valley.
1563
The first permanent Spanish colonial settlement in Costa Rica is established in Cartago by Juan
Vásquez de Coronado, who chooses the site based on its rich and fertile volcanic soils.
1737
The future capital of San José is established, sparking a rivalry with neighboring Cartago that will
culminate in a civil war between the two dominant cities.
1821
Following a unanimous declaration by Mexico on behalf of all of Central America, Costa Rica fi-
nally gains its independence from Spain after centuries of colonial occupation.
April 1823
The Costa Rican capital officially moves to San José after intense skirmishes with the conservat-
ive residents of Cartago, who take issue with the more liberal longings of the power-hungry josefi-
nos.
December 1823
The Monroe Doctrine formerly declares the intentions of the USA to be the dominant imperial
power in the western hemisphere, despite protests from European powers.
1824
The Nicoya-Guanacaste region votes to secede from Nicaragua and become a part of Costa Rica,
though the region's longing for independence from both countries continues to this day.
