Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SMUGGLING, SUGAR & SPAIN
Just look at a map and Puerto Rico's strategic position - between the shores of North, Cent-
ral and South America - is immediately evident. During Spain's early settlement in the 16th
century, the empire knew that Puerto Rican harbors were key to transporting the limitless
wealth of the Americas. But the crown's insistence on a centralized government was an ar-
rogant political position that would cost Spain dearly, and shape the development of Puerto
Rico.
In the mid-1500s Spain insisted that all imports and exports from its growing empire be
trafficked through ports in Spain. But Seville was some 2½ months away by sail and the
policy was immediately inadequate for controlling the island's many ports. A number of
forces - including new Spanish colonies in gold-rich Peru and Mexico - led to the rise of an
enormous, well-organized black market in Puerto Rico.
This unchecked flow of goods and money hastened the development of Puerto Rico's
oth-
er
ports - Ponce and Arroyo among them - where sugar cane and goods from the Americas
were moved out of sight of Spanish authorities.
The power vacuum was quickly filled by merchants operating with their own agenda.
Through the 16th and 17th centuries, cities of the south grew rich from trade with Caribbean
neighbors - certainly illegal, but completely unknown to the distant king.
Even after Spain gave more power to local authorities in San Juan in the 18th century,
the brisk black-market exchange of sugar, ginger and slaves between Puerto Rico and its
neighbors (including the young United States) continued in the south, funding many of the
majestic homes and fountains tourists visit today.
