List of Governors of Puerto Rico
Encyclopedia
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
of Puerto Rico
Governor of Puerto Rico
The Governor of Puerto Rico is the Head of Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Since 1948, the Governor has been elected by the people of Puerto Rico...
is the Head of Government
Head of government
Head of government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. In a parliamentary system, the head of government is often styled prime minister, chief minister, premier, etc...
of the Commonwealth
Commonwealth
Commonwealth is a traditional English term for a political community founded for the common good. Historically, it has sometimes been synonymous with "republic."More recently it has been used for fraternal associations of some sovereign nations...
of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
. The position was first established by the Spanish Empire
Spanish Empire
The Spanish Empire comprised territories and colonies administered directly by Spain in Europe, in America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. It originated during the Age of Exploration and was therefore one of the first global empires. At the time of Habsburgs, Spain reached the peak of its world power....
during the 16th century following the archipelago's colonization.
The first person to officially occupy the position was Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
conquistador
Conquistador
Conquistadors were Spanish soldiers, explorers, and adventurers who brought much of the Americas under the control of Spain in the 15th to 16th centuries, following Europe's discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus in 1492...
Juan Ponce de León
Juan Ponce de León
Juan Ponce de León was a Spanish explorer. He became the first Governor of Puerto Rico by appointment of the Spanish crown. He led the first European expedition to Florida, which he named...
on 1509. At the time, the Spanish monarchy
Spanish monarchy
The Monarchy of Spain, constitutionally referred to as The Crown and commonly referred to as the Spanish monarchy or Hispanic Monarchy, is a constitutional institution and an historic office of Spain...
was responsible for appointing the functionary who would perform this office. The first native Puerto Rican
Puerto Rican people
A Puerto Rican is a person who was born in Puerto Rico.Puerto Ricans born and raised in the continental United States are also sometimes referred to as Puerto Ricans, although they were not born in Puerto Rico...
to perform the function was Juan Ponce de León II
Juan Ponce de Leon II
Juan Ponce de León II , was the first Puerto Rican to assume, though temporarily, the governorship of Puerto Rico.-Early years:...
, as interim governor in 1579. During this administration, all of those appointed to take the position had served another function within the empire's government or the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
. In 1898, the United States invaded Puerto Rico and the Spanish government ceded control of the island to the United States. During the first two years, the entire government in Puerto Rico was appointed by the President of the United States
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
. In 1900, the American government approved the establishment of the Foraker Act
Foraker Act
The Foraker Act,officially the Organic Act of 1900, is a United States federal law that established civilian government on the island of Puerto Rico, which had been newly acquired by the United States as a result of the Spanish–American War. Section VII of the Foraker Act also established Puerto...
as a federal law, this act established a civilian government in the island. In 1947, the federal Elective Governor Act was enacted, which created a new system where, since 1948, the governor is elected
Election
An election is a formal decision-making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold public office. Elections have been the usual mechanism by which modern representative democracy operates since the 17th century. Elections may fill offices in the legislature, sometimes in the...
through a democratic process every four years. The governor is in charge of Puerto Rico's executive branch and is responsible for appointing executive branch agency heads, including the Secretary of State, who fulfills the role of lieutenant governor, the legislative branch's Ombudsman
Ombudsman
An ombudsman is a person who acts as a trusted intermediary between an organization and some internal or external constituency while representing not only but mostly the broad scope of constituent interests...
and Comptroller
Comptroller
A comptroller is a management level position responsible for supervising the quality of accounting and financial reporting of an organization.In British government, the Comptroller General or Comptroller and Auditor General is in most countries the external auditor of the budget execution of the...
and all judges in the judicial branch.
History
Spanish Empire
The Spanish Empire comprised territories and colonies administered directly by Spain in Europe, in America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. It originated during the Age of Exploration and was therefore one of the first global empires. At the time of Habsburgs, Spain reached the peak of its world power....
colonized Puerto Rico during the 16th century, the Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León
Juan Ponce de León
Juan Ponce de León was a Spanish explorer. He became the first Governor of Puerto Rico by appointment of the Spanish crown. He led the first European expedition to Florida, which he named...
established himself as the island's first governor replacing Vicente Yáñez Pinzón
Vicente Yáñez Pinzón
Vicente Yáñez Pinzón was a Spanish navigator, explorer, and conquistador, the youngest of the Pinzón brothers...
, who was appointed to take the position of Captain General
Captain General
Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings...
of the City of Puerto Rico prior to the island's colonization but never performed this function. During this time period, the Spanish monarchy
Spanish monarchy
The Monarchy of Spain, constitutionally referred to as The Crown and commonly referred to as the Spanish monarchy or Hispanic Monarchy, is a constitutional institution and an historic office of Spain...
was in charge of appointing the governor of Puerto Rico, the person selected was in charge of the island's development and wealth and was responsible for reporting the colony's status to the Spanish Empire. After 1580 the Captaincy General of Puerto Rico
Captaincy General of Puerto Rico
The Captaincy General of Puerto Rico was an administrative district of the Spanish Empire, created in 1580 to provide better military management of the island of Puerto Rico, previously under the direct rule of a simple governor and the jurisdiction of Audiencia of Santo Domingo...
was established, and the office of captain general was added to the governor.
On July 25, 1898, at the outbreak of the Spanish-American War
Spanish-American War
The Spanish–American War was a conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, effectively the result of American intervention in the ongoing Cuban War of Independence...
, Puerto Rico was invaded by the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
when, following a brief armed conflict, the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
landed at Guánica
Guánica, Puerto Rico
Guánica is a municipality in southwestern Puerto Rico located on southern coast, bordering the Caribbean Sea, south of Sabana Grande, east of Lajas, and west of Yauco. It is part of the Yauco Metropolitan Statistical Area....
. Following the conclusion of the war, Spain was forced to cede Puerto Rico, along with Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
, the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
and Guam
Guam
Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is one of five U.S. territories with an established civilian government. Guam is listed as one of 16 Non-Self-Governing Territories by the Special Committee on Decolonization of the United...
, to the United States under the 1898 Treaty of Paris
Treaty of Paris (1898)
The Treaty of Paris of 1898 was signed on December 10, 1898, at the end of the Spanish-American War, and came into effect on April 11, 1899, when the ratifications were exchanged....
. Puerto Rico began the twentieth century under the military rule of the United States with officials, including the governor, who were appointed by the President of the United States
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
. In 1900, William McKinley
William McKinley
William McKinley, Jr. was the 25th President of the United States . He is best known for winning fiercely fought elections, while supporting the gold standard and high tariffs; he succeeded in forging a Republican coalition that for the most part dominated national politics until the 1930s...
signed the Foraker Act
Foraker Act
The Foraker Act,officially the Organic Act of 1900, is a United States federal law that established civilian government on the island of Puerto Rico, which had been newly acquired by the United States as a result of the Spanish–American War. Section VII of the Foraker Act also established Puerto...
as a United States federal law
Law of the United States
The law of the United States consists of many levels of codified and uncodified forms of law, of which the most important is the United States Constitution, the foundation of the federal government of the United States...
, this established civilian (limited popular) government on Puerto Rico. The new government had a governor
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
and an executive council appointed by the President, a House of Representatives
House of Representatives of Puerto Rico
The House of Representatives of Puerto Rico is the lower house of the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico, the territorial legislature of Puerto Rico...
with 35 elected members, a judicial system with a Supreme Court, and a non-voting Resident Commissioner in Congress. The first civilian governor of the island under the Foraker Act was Charles Herbert Allen
Charles Herbert Allen
Charles Herbert Allen was an American politician and businessman. His positions included serving in the United States House of Representatives and as governor of Puerto Rico.-Early life:...
. This system was still used after the approval of the Jones-Shafroth Act
Jones-Shafroth Act
The Jones–Shafroth Act was a 1917 Act of the United States Congress by which Puerto Ricans were collectively made U.S. citizens, the people of Puerto Rico were empowered to have a popularly-elected Senate, established a bill of rights, and authorized the election of a Resident Commissioner to a...
, which altered the structure of government in Puerto Rico, and was in use until 1948.
Following the approval of the federal Elective Governor Act by President Harry S Truman in 1947, the governor has been elected through a democratic process every four years since 1948. Under this system, the governor is in charge of the island's executive
Executive (government)
Executive branch of Government is the part of government that has sole authority and responsibility for the daily administration of the state bureaucracy. The division of power into separate branches of government is central to the idea of the separation of powers.In many countries, the term...
branch. In these elections, every person must vote for one of several candidates, each one of which represents a political party (currently consisting of the New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico
New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico
The New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico is a political party that advocates for Puerto Rico's admission to the United States of America as the 51st state...
, Puerto Rican Independence Party
Puerto Rican Independence Party
The Puerto Rican Independence Party is a Puerto Rican political party that campaigns for the independence of Puerto Rico from United States suzerainty....
, Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico
Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico
The Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico is a political party that supports Puerto Rico's right to self-determination and sovereignty, through the enhancement of Puerto Rico's current status as a commonwealth....
and Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party
Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party
The Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party is a Puerto Rican political party which tenets are citizen participation, sustainable development, effective administration, and quality of life...
) following the elective process the votes are counted and the candidate who gathers the plurality (not majority) of votes is certified as governor-elect and takes office on January 2 of the following year in a public inaugural ceremony which may be preceded by a private oath-taking ceremony.
In the governor's absence, or if the governor dies or is unable to perform the executive duties, the Secretary of State of Puerto Rico takes control of the executive position, as Acting Governor
Acting governor
An acting governor is a constitutional position created in some U.S. states when the governor dies in office or resigns. In some states, the governor may also be declared to be incapacitated and unable to function for various reasons, including illness and absence from the state for more than a...
during a temporary absence or inability, and as Governor
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
in case of death, resignation or impeachment and conviction. The elected governor must designate a number of secretaries and other agency heads that will control the individual administrative agencies during his time in office, the selected secretaries are in charge of the island's health, natural resources, economy, correctional and judicial agencies and the department of consumer concerns, among others. The Governor's four-year term begins on January 2, the day after the New Year's Day
New Year's Day
New Year's Day is observed on January 1, the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar as well as the Julian calendar used in ancient Rome...
holiday.
Governors under Spanish Crown
| Picture | Name | Took office | Left office | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Don Juan Ponce de León Juan Ponce de León Juan Ponce de León was a Spanish explorer. He became the first Governor of Puerto Rico by appointment of the Spanish crown. He led the first European expedition to Florida, which he named... |
1509 | 1512 | |
| Juan Cerón | 1511 | 1513 | ||
| Rodrigo Moscoso | 1513 | 1514 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Cristóbal de Mendoza |
1514 | 1515 | ||
|
Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Don Juan Ponce de León Juan Ponce de León Juan Ponce de León was a Spanish explorer. He became the first Governor of Puerto Rico by appointment of the Spanish crown. He led the first European expedition to Florida, which he named... |
1515 | 1519 | |
| Sánchez Velázquez | 1519 | 1519 | ||
| Antonio de la Gama | 1519 | 1521 | ||
| Pedro Moreno | 1521 | 1523 | ||
| Bishop Bishop A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the... Alonso Manso Alonso Manso Bishop Alonso Manso was a Spanish bishop born in Becerril de Campos, Spain. He studied theology at the University of Salamanca. He became the canon of Salamanca and the chaplain of the prince Don Juan. On November 15, 1504 he was appointed bishop of Magua, Dominican Republic... |
1523 | 1524 | ||
| Pedro Moreno | 1524 | 1529 | ||
| Antonio de la Gama | 1529 | 1530 | ||
| Lieutenant General Lieutenant General Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General.... Francisco Manuel de Landó |
1530 | 1536 | ||
| Vasco de Tiedra | 1536 | 1537 | ||
| Vasco de Tiedra | 1537 | 1544 | ||
| Jerónimo Lebrón de Quiñones | 1544 | 1544 | ||
| Lcdo.Iñigo López Cervantes de Loaisa | 1544 | 1546 | ||
| Lcdo.Diego de Caraza | 1546 | 1548 | ||
| Diego de Caraza | 1548 | 1550 | ||
| Luis de Vallejo | 1550 | 1555 | ||
| Lcdo. Alonso Esteves | 1555 | 1555 | ||
| Lcdo. Diego de Caraza | 1555 | 1561 | ||
| Antonio de la Llama Vallejo | 1561 | 1564 | ||
Francisco Bahamonde De Lugo Francisco Bahamonde De Lugo Francisco Bahamonde De Lugo is the Grandson of Inés de Lugo , a Spanish Military man, conquistador, city founder, and administrator. Francisco Bahamonde De Lugo was born in the Canary Islands. He was Governor of Puerto Rico between 1564 and 1568... |
1564 | 1568 | ||
| Francisco Solís | 1568 | 1574 | ||
| Francisco de Obando y Mexia | 1575 | 1579 | ||
|
Juan Ponce de León II Juan Ponce de Leon II Juan Ponce de León II , was the first Puerto Rican to assume, though temporarily, the governorship of Puerto Rico.-Early years:... |
1579 | 1579 | |
| Jerónimo de Agüero Campuzano | 1580 | 1580 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Juan de Céspedes |
1580 | 1581 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Juan López Melgarejo |
1581 | 1582 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Gen Diego Menéndez de Valdés |
1582 | 1593 | ||
| Colonel Colonel Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures... Pedro Suárez |
1593 | 1597 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Antonio de Mosquero |
1597 | 1598 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Alonso de Mercado |
1599 | 1602 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Sancho Ochoa de Castro |
1602 | 1608 | ||
| Gabriel de Rojas Párano | 1608 | 1614 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Felipe de Beaumont y Navarra |
1614 | 1620 | ||
| Juan de Vargas | 1620 | 1625 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Juan de Haro y Sanvitores |
1625 | 1630 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Enrique Enriquez de Sotomayor |
1631 | 1635 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Iñigo de la Mota Sarmiento |
1635 | 1641 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Agustín de Silva y Figueroa |
1641 | 1641 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Juan de Bolaños |
1642 | 1643 | ||
| Fernando de la Riva Agüero y Setien | 1643 | 1648 | ||
| Diego de Aguilera y Gamboa | 1649 | 1655 | ||
| José Novoa y Moscoso Pérez y Buitron | 1655 | 1660 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Juan Pérez de Guzmán y Chagoyen |
1660 | 1664 | ||
| Jerónimo de Velasco | 1664 | 1670 | ||
| Gaspar de Arteaga y Aunoavidao | 1670 | 1674 | ||
| Diego Roblandillo | 1674 | 1674 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Baltazar Figueroa y Castilla |
1674 | 1674 | ||
| Alonso de Campos y Espinosa | 1675 | 1678 | ||
| Juan de Robles Lorenzana | 1678 | 1683 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Gaspar Martínez de Andino |
1683 | 1685 | ||
| Juan Francisco Medina | 1685 | 1690 | ||
| Gaspar de Arredondo y Valle | 1690 | 1695 | ||
| Juan Francisco Medina | 1695 | 1697 | ||
| Tomás Franco | 1697 | 1698 | ||
| Antonio de Robles Silva | 1698 | 1699 | ||
| Gabriel Suárez de Ribera | 1700 | 1703 | ||
| Diego Jiménez de Villarán | 1703 | 1703 | ||
| Francisco Sánchez Calderón | 1703 | 1703 | ||
| Pedro Arroyo y Guerrero | 1704 | 1705 | ||
| Juan Francisco Morla | 1706 | 1706 | ||
| Francisco Granados | 1706 | 1708 | ||
| Colonel Colonel Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures... Juan de Ribera |
1709 | 1715 | ||
| José Francisco Carreño | 1716 | 1716 | ||
| Alfonso Bortodano | 1716 | 1720 | ||
| Francisco Danio Granados | 1720 | 1724 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... José Antonio de Mendizabal y Azcue |
1724 | 1730 | ||
| Lieutenant Colonel Lieutenant colonel Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence... Matías de Abadía |
1731 | 1743 | ||
| Domingo Pérez de Mandares | 1743 | 1744 | ||
| Colonel Colonel Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures... Juan José Colomo |
1744 | 1750 | ||
| Colonel Colonel Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures... Agustín de Parejas |
1750 | 1751 | ||
| Lieutenant Colonel Lieutenant colonel Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence... Esteban Bravo de Rivero |
1751 | 1753 | ||
| Captain General Captain General Captain general is a high military rank and a gubernatorial title.-History:This term Captain General started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of commander in chief of an army in the field, probably the first usage of the term General in military settings... Felipe Ramírez de Estenos |
1753 | 1757 | ||
| Esteban Bravo de Rivero | 1757 | 1759 | ||
| Mateo de Guaso Calderón | 1759 | 1760 | ||
| Esteban Bravo de Rivero | 1760 | 1761 | ||
| Lieutenant Colonel Lieutenant colonel Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence... Ambrosio de Benavides Ambrosio de Benavides Ambrosio de Benavides Medina Liñán y Torres was a Spanish colonial administrator who served as Royal Governor of Puerto Rico, Royal Governor of Charcas and Royal Governor of Chile.-Early life:... |
1761 | 1766 | ||
| Colonel Colonel Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures... Marcos de Vergara |
1766 | 1766 | ||
| Lieutenant Colonel Lieutenant colonel Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence... José Trentor |
1766 | 1770 | ||
| Colonel Colonel Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures... Miguel de Musesas |
1770 | 1776 | ||
| Colonel Colonel Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures... José Dufresne |
1776 | 1783 | ||
 |
Field Marshal Field Marshal Field Marshal is a military rank. Traditionally, it is the highest military rank in an army.-Etymology:The origin of the rank of field marshal dates to the early Middle Ages, originally meaning the keeper of the king's horses , from the time of the early Frankish kings.-Usage and hierarchical... Don Juan Andrés Daban y Busterino |
1783 | 1789 | |
| Coronel Francisco Torralbo y Robles | 1789 | 1789 | ||
| Brigadier General Brigadier General Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000... Miguel Antonio de Ustariz |
1789 | 1792 | ||
| Coronel Francisco Torralbo y Robles | 1792 | 1794 | ||
| Brigadier General Brigadier General Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000... Enrique Grimarest |
1794 | 1795 | ||
 |
Field Marshal Field Marshal Field Marshal is a military rank. Traditionally, it is the highest military rank in an army.-Etymology:The origin of the rank of field marshal dates to the early Middle Ages, originally meaning the keeper of the king's horses , from the time of the early Frankish kings.-Usage and hierarchical... Don Ramón de Castro y Gutiérrez |
1795 | 1804 | |
| Toribio Montes | 1804 | 1809 | ||
| Salvador Meléndez Bruna | 1809 | 1820 | ||
| Brigadier General Brigadier General Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000... Juan Vasco y Pascual |
1820 | 1820 | ||
| Gonzalo Arostegui y Herrera | 1820 | 1822 | ||
| José Navarro | 1822 | 1822 | ||
| Francisco González Linares | 1822 | 1822 | ||
| Lieutenant General Lieutenant General Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General.... Miguel Luciano de La Torre y Pando Miguel de la Torre Miguel de la Torre y Pando, conde de Torrepando was a Spanish General, Governor and Captain General, who served in Spain, Venezuela, Colombia and Puerto Rico during the Spanish American wars of independence and after.At the age of fourteen he joined the Spanish Army as a soldier during the War of... |
1822 | 1837 | ||
| Francisco Javier de Moreda y Prieto | 1837 | 1838 | ||
| Field Marshal Field Marshal Field Marshal is a military rank. Traditionally, it is the highest military rank in an army.-Etymology:The origin of the rank of field marshal dates to the early Middle Ages, originally meaning the keeper of the king's horses , from the time of the early Frankish kings.-Usage and hierarchical... Miguel López de Baños |
1838 | 1841 | ||
| Lieutenant General Lieutenant General Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General.... Santiago Méndez de Vigo |
1841 | 1844 | ||
| Lieutenant General Lieutenant General Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General.... Rafael de Aristegui y Vélez |
1844 | 1847 | ||
 |
Field Marshal Field Marshal Field Marshal is a military rank. Traditionally, it is the highest military rank in an army.-Etymology:The origin of the rank of field marshal dates to the early Middle Ages, originally meaning the keeper of the king's horses , from the time of the early Frankish kings.-Usage and hierarchical... Don Juan Prim de Prats y Gonzalez |
1847 | 1848 | |
| Lieutenant General Lieutenant General Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General.... Juan de la Pezuela y Cevallos |
1848 | 1851 | ||
| Enrique de España y Taberner | 1851 | 1852 | ||
| Lieutenant General Lieutenant General Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General.... Fernándo Norzagaray y Escudero Fernándo Norzagaray y Escudero Fernándo Norzagaray y Escudero, a man of Basque descent, was a lieutenant general before becoming the 104th Governor of Puerto Rico and the 78th governor of the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule.-Puerto Rico:... |
1852 | 1855 | ||
| Lieutenant General Lieutenant General Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General.... Andrés García Gamba |
1855 | 1855 | ||
| Lieutenant General Lieutenant General Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General.... José Lemery Ibrarrola Ney y Gonzalez |
1855 | 1857 | ||
| Lieutenant General Lieutenant General Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General.... Fernando Cotoner y Chacon |
1857 | 1860 | ||
| Sabino Gamir Maladen | 1860 | 1860 | ||
| Lieutenant General Lieutenant General Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General.... Rafael Echague y Bermingham |
1860 | 1862 | ||
| Brigadier General Brigadier General Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000... Rafael Izquierdo y Gutierrez |
1862 | 1863 | ||
| Lieutenant General Lieutenant General Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General.... Féliz María de Messina Iglesias |
1863 | 1865 | ||
| Lieutenant General Lieutenant General Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General.... José María Marchessi y Oleaga |
1865 | 1867 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Julián Juan Pavia Lacy |
1867 | 1868 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... José Laureano Sanz y Posse |
1868 | 1870 | ||
| Lieutenant General Lieutenant General Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General.... Gabriel Baldrich |
1870 | 1871 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Ramón Gómez Pulido |
1871 | 1872 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Simón de la Torre Ormaza |
1872 | 1872 | ||
| Brigadier General Brigadier General Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000... Joaquín Eurile Hernan |
1872 | 1873 | ||
| Lieutenant General Lieutenant General Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General.... Juan Martínez Plowes |
1873 | 1873 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Rafael Primo de Rivera y Sobremonte |
1873 | 1874 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... José Laureano Sanz y Posse |
1875 | 1875 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Segundo de la Portilla Gutierrez |
1875 | 1877 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Manuel de la Serna Hernandez y Pinzón |
1877 | 1878 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... José Gamir Maladen |
1878 | 1878 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Eulogio Despujols y Dussay |
1878 | 1881 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Segundo de la Portilla Gutierrez |
1881 | 1883 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Miguel de la Vega Inclán y Palma |
1883 | 1884 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Don Carlos Suances Campos |
1884 | 1884 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Ramón Fajardo Izquierdo |
1884 | 1884 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Luis Daban y Ramírez de Arellanó |
1884 | 1887 | ||
| General Romualdo Palacios Gonzalez Romualdo Palacios Gonzalez Romualdo Palacios Gonzalez was a Spanish general and governor of Puerto Rico in 1887. He is best remembered for his political persecution of Puerto Rican Autonomistas called Componte, a term than means "to rectify" or "to pacify". His favorite detention centers were the jails at the Ponce Military... |
1887 | 1887 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Juan Contreras Martinez |
1887 | 1888 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Pedro Ruiz Dana |
1888 | 1890 | ||
| Brigadier General Brigadier General Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000... José Pascual Bonanza |
1890 | 1890 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... José Lasso y Pérez |
1890 | 1893 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Luis Daban y Ramírez de Arrellanó |
1893 | 1895 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... José Gamir |
1895 | 1896 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Emilio March |
1896 | 1896 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Sabas Marín González |
1896 | 1898 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Ricardo de Ortega y Diez Ricardo de Ortega y Diez Ricardo de Ortega y Diez was a Spanish general. He served as interim Governor-General of Puerto Rico during three periods of the Spanish-American War, and occupied various other posts. Born in Madrid, Spain, Ortega y Diez attended the Colegio de Infantería and became a sub-lieutenant at the age... |
1898 | 1898 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Andrés González Muñoz |
1898 | 1898 | ||
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Ricardo de Ortega y Diez |
1898 | 1898 | ||
 |
General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Manuel Macías Casado |
1898 | 1898 | |
| General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Ricardo de Ortega y Diez |
1898 | 1898 |
Military government
| Picture | Name | Took office | Left office | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Commanding General Nelson A. Miles Nelson A. Miles Nelson Appleton Miles was a United States soldier who served in the American Civil War, Indian Wars, and the Spanish-American War.-Early life:Miles was born in Westminster, Massachusetts, on his family's farm... |
1898 | 1898 | |
 |
Major General Major General Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general... John R. Brooke John R. Brooke John Rutter Brooke was a major general in the United States Army during both the American Civil War and the Spanish American War... |
1898 | 1898 | |
 |
Major General Major General Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general... Guy Vernon Henry Guy Vernon Henry Guy Vernor Henry was a military officer and Medal of Honor recipient who served as an early Governor of Puerto Rico.-Biography:Henry was born in Fort Smith, Indian Territory... |
1898 | 1899 | |
 |
Major General Major General Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general... George Whitefield Davis George Whitefield Davis George Whitefield Davis was an engineer and Major General in the United States Army. He also served as a military Governor of Puerto Rico and as the first military Governor of the Panama Canal Zone.-Civil War:... |
1899 | 1900 |
Post-Foraker Act of 1900
| Picture | Name | Took office | Left office | Notes | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Charles Herbert Allen Charles Herbert Allen Charles Herbert Allen was an American politician and businessman. His positions included serving in the United States House of Representatives and as governor of Puerto Rico.-Early life:... |
1900 | 1901 | First U.S. civil governor appointed by President William McKinley William McKinley William McKinley, Jr. was the 25th President of the United States . He is best known for winning fiercely fought elections, while supporting the gold standard and high tariffs; he succeeded in forging a Republican coalition that for the most part dominated national politics until the 1930s... |
|
| William Henry Hunt William Henry Hunt (judge) William Henry Hunt was a state and federal judge and a territorial governor of Puerto Rico.-Early law practice:... |
1901 | 1904 | |||
| Beekman Winthrop Beekman Winthrop Beekman Winthrop was a New York lawyer and Governor of Puerto Rico from 1904 to 1907. He was later an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.... |
1904 | 1907 | |||
 |
Regis Henri Post Regis Henri Post Regis Henri Post was a New York politician and Governor of Puerto Rico from 1907 to 1909. He was a New York State Assemblyman from 1899 to 1900, representing Bayport, New York. He was appointed auditor of Puerto Rico in 1903, Secretary of Puerto Rico in 1904, and then Governor in 1907 by... |
1907 | 1909 | ||
| Colonel Colonel Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures... George Radcliffe Colton George Radcliffe Colton George Radcliffe Colton was the Governor of Puerto Rico from November 6, 1909 to November 5, 1913, a position to which he was appointed by President William Howard Taft. He was originally from Galesburg, Illinois. During the early part of the 1900s, he served in the United States Army and attained... |
1909 | 1913 | |||
 |
Arthur Yager Arthur Yager Arthur Yager served as Governor of Puerto Rico from 1913 to 1921.Yager was born in Campbellsburg in Henry County, Kentucky. He earned bachelors and masters degrees from Georgetown College in Kentucky, and a doctorate from Johns Hopkins University... |
1913 | 1921 | ||
| José E. Benedicto José E. Benedicto José E. Benedicto was the Treasurer of Puerto Rico, and briefly served as acting Governor of Puerto Rico in 1921.In his early life, Benedicto attended the University of Madrid, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1902, he graduated with a law degree from the University of Michigan and... |
1921 | 1921 | Interim governor | ||
| Emmet Montgomery Reily Emmet Montgomery Reily Emmet Montgomery Reily , sometimes E. Mont Reily, was a Texas and, later, Missouri politician who served a number of local offices, especially in Fort Worth and Kansas City. He was active in the Republican Party. He was later appointed as Governor of Puerto Rico by President Warren G... |
1921 | 1923 | |||
| Juan Bernardo Huyke Juan Bernardo Huyke Juan Bernardo Huyke served as interim Governor of Puerto Rico several months in 1923.-Background:Huyke was born in Arroyo, Puerto Rico on June 11, 1880. He was the son of Don Enrique Huyke and Doña Carmen Bozello. He was an attorney, writer, publisher, educator, and statesman. He served as... |
1923 | 1923 | Interim Governor | ||
| Horace Mann Towner | 1923 | 1929 | |||
| James R. Beverley | 1929 | 1929 | |||
 |
Brigadier General Brigadier General Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000... Theodore Roosevelt Jr. |
1929 | 1932 | ||
| James R. Beverley 2nd Term | 1932 | 1933 | |||
| Robert Hayes Gore Robert Hayes Gore Robert Hayes Gore was a Florida politician and newspaper publisher who also served as the 11th civilian Governor of Puerto Rico from July 1933 to January 1934. He was born in Knottsville, Kentucky and became a newspaper writer, editor-publisher in the Scripps chain, soon heading newspapers in... |
1933 | 1934 | |||
| Benjamin Jason Horton Benjamin Jason Horton Benjamin Jason Horton was a Puerto Rico politician and one-time acting Governor of Puerto Rico. He was originally from Lawrence, Kansas. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention from Puerto Rico from 1912 through 1932 and then as a member of the Democratic National Committee from... |
1934 | 1934 | |||
 |
General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Blanton C. Winship Blanton C. Winship Major General Blanton C. Winship was a military lawyer and veteran of both the Spanish-American war and World War I. During his long career, he served both as Judge Advocate General of the United States Army and as the Governor of Puerto Rico.... |
1934 | 1939 | Summarily removed by President Roosevelt on May 12, 1939. | |
| José E. Colón José E. Colón José E. Colon was acting Governor of Puerto Rico between June 25, 1939 and September 11, 1939 after the previous governor, Blanton C. Winship, was removed from office by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for alleged abuse of his authority in depriving the people of Puerto Rico of their civil rights.... |
1939 | 1939 | Interim governor | ||
 |
Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy William D. Leahy Fleet Admiral William Daniel Leahy was an American naval officer, building his reputation through administration and staff work. As Chief of Naval Operations he was the senior officer in Navy, overseeing the preparations for war. After retiring from the Navy he was appointed by his close friend... |
1939 | 1940 | ||
| José Miguel Gallardo José Miguel Gallardo Dr. José Miguel Gallardo was a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and two-time Governor of Puerto Rico. He and his wife, fellow professor Ida Gallardo, lived most of their adult lives in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico.... |
1940 | 1941 | Interim governor | ||
| Commander Commander Commander is a naval rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service. Commander is also used as a rank or title in some organizations outside of the armed forces, particularly in police and law enforcement.-Commander as a naval... Guy J. Swope Guy J. Swope Guy Jacob Swope was an American teacher, accountant, and Democratic politician. His career included one term as a United States Congressman in the Seventy-seventh United States Congress, serving as a Director in the United States Department of Interior under Franklin D... |
1941 | 1941 | |||
| José Miguel Gallardo José Miguel Gallardo Dr. José Miguel Gallardo was a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and two-time Governor of Puerto Rico. He and his wife, fellow professor Ida Gallardo, lived most of their adult lives in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico.... |
1941 | 1941 | Interim governor | ||
 |
Rexford Guy Tugwell | 1941 | 1946 | ||
 |
Jesús Toribio Piñero Jesus T. Piñero Jesús Toribio Piñero Jiménez was the first native Puerto Rican to be appointed governor of Puerto Rico by the Government of the United States.-Early years:... |
1946 | 1949 | First and only native Puerto Rican governor appointed under U.S colonial administration |
Governors under the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
| Picture | Name | Took office | Left office | Party | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luis Muñoz Marín Luis Muñoz Marín Don José Luis Alberto Muñoz Marín was a Puerto Rican poet, journalist, and politician. Regarded as the "father of modern Puerto Rico," he was the first democratically elected Governor of Puerto Rico. Muñoz Marín was the son of Luis Muñoz Rivera, a renowned autonomist leader... |
1949 | 1965 | Popular Democratic Party Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico The Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico is a political party that supports Puerto Rico's right to self-determination and sovereignty, through the enhancement of Puerto Rico's current status as a commonwealth.... |
||
| Roberto Sánchez Vilella Roberto Sánchez Vilella Roberto Sánchez Vilella was the second Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico from 1965 to 1969. He was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico... |
1965 | 1969 | Popular Democratic Party | ||
| Luis A. Ferré Luis A. Ferré Don Luis Alberto Ferré Aguayo was a Puerto Rican engineer, industrialist, politician, philanthropist, and a patron of the arts. He was the third Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico from 1969 to 1973, and the founding father of the New Progressive Party which advocates for Puerto Rico... |
1969 | 1973 | New Progressive Party New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico The New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico is a political party that advocates for Puerto Rico's admission to the United States of America as the 51st state... |
||
| Rafael Hernández Colón Rafael Hernández Colón Rafael Hernández Colón is a Puerto Rican politician who served as the fourth Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for three non-consecutive terms, from 1973 to 1977 and from 1985 to 1993. An experienced politician, Hernández holds the record for being the youngest Governor of Puerto Rico,... |
1973 | 1977 | Popular Democratic Party | ||
 |
Carlos Romero Barceló Carlos Romero Barceló Carlos Antonio Romero Barceló is a Puerto Rican politician who served as the fifth Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the second governor to be elected from the New Progressive Party and also Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico from 1993 to 2001, making him one of the more successful... |
1977 | 1985 | New Progressive Party | |
| Rafael Hernández Colón Rafael Hernández Colón Rafael Hernández Colón is a Puerto Rican politician who served as the fourth Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for three non-consecutive terms, from 1973 to 1977 and from 1985 to 1993. An experienced politician, Hernández holds the record for being the youngest Governor of Puerto Rico,... |
1985 | 1993 | Popular Democratic Party | ||
| Pedro Rosselló González | 1993 | 2001 | New Progressive Party | ||
 |
Sila M. Calderón | 2001 | 2005 | Popular Democratic Party | |
 |
Aníbal Acevedo Vilá Aníbal Acevedo Vilá Aníbal Salvador Acevedo Vilá is a Puerto Rican politician and lawyer. He served as the eighth Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a Commonwealth of the United States, from 2005 to 2009. He is a Harvard University alumnus and a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico School of Law,... |
2005 | 2009 | Popular Democratic Party | |
 |
Luis Fortuño Luis Fortuño Luis Guillermo Fortuño Burset is the governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States of America. Fortuño is also the president of the New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico , a member of the Republican National Committee, and will be president of the Council of State... |
2009 | Incumbent | New Progressive Party |
See also
- Politics of Puerto RicoPolitics of Puerto RicoThe politics of Puerto Rico take place in the framework of a republican democratic form of government that is under the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the United States of America as an organized unincorporated territory....
- Politics of the United StatesPolitics of the United StatesThe United States is a federal constitutional republic, in which the President of the United States , Congress, and judiciary share powers reserved to the national government, and the federal government shares sovereignty with the state governments.The executive branch is headed by the President...
- Resident Commissioner of Puerto RicoResident Commissioner of Puerto RicoThe Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico is a non-voting member of the United States House of Representatives elected by the voters of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico every four years...
Further reading
- Mellander, Gustavo A.(1971) The United States in Panamanian Politics: The Intriguing Formative Years. Daville,Ill.:Interstate Publishers. OCLC 138568.
- Mellander, Gustavo A.; Nelly Maldonado Mellander (1999). Charles Edward Magoon: The Panama Years. Río Piedras, Puerto Rico: Editorial Plaza Mayor. ISBN 1-56328-155-4. OCLC 42970390.