Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2023 i Cobblestone American History and Current Events for Kids and Children

Puerto Rico is a small island with a big presence. Its rich heritage is pulled from a combination of Indigenous Taino people, Spanish conquerors, enslaved Africans, and its relationship with the United States. Most Puerto Ricans speak Spanish, but the island’s official languages are Spanish and English. Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean Sea about 1,000 miles south and east of Florida. Most of the island is comprised of hills and mountain slopes. Lowlands and sandy beaches are found along coastal areas. The island’s warm, rainy climate doesn’t change much with the seasons. Its beautiful beaches and dramatic waterfalls have made it a popular tourist destination. For centuries, large agricultural crops of tobacco, sugar cane, and coffee fueled Puerto Rico’s economy. Following investment by U.S. and European nations in…

When the Spanish settled San Juan in 1521, they quickly recognized the value of Puerto Rico’s capital city. It became an important port, outpost, and gateway for exploration of the Americas. Spain’s enemies, primarily the British and the Dutch, coveted its strategic military location. Its excellent harbor was one of the largest and best in the Caribbean. To the Spanish, San Juan was one of the most valuable jewels in their empire. They went to great lengths to protect it. The city’s defenses during Spanish colonial rule covered 250 acres and left just 62 acres for other buildings. Coveted means greatly desired. DID YOU KNOW? In 1493, Christopher Columbus named the island of Puerto Rico San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist). Meanwhile, the city of San Juan originally was…

It was too hot for hopping about. Rabbit decided to sit in the shade of a mango tree instead. He was just settling down for a nap when Tiger sprang from behind and grabbed him. “I’ve got you now!” growled Tiger. “And I’ve brought some rope. I’m tying you to this tree so you won’t use those quick feet of yours to get away. Later, I’ll have you for my supper.” “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” exclaimed Rabbit. “In fact, it would be a big mistake.” “What are you saying, Rabbit?” Tiger tilted his head suspiciously. “Don’t you know anything?” Rabbit asked, looking surprised. “Everyone’s talking about it!” “About what?” demanded Tiger. “Why, the terrible storm that’s coming,” said Rabbit. “It’ll be here any minute!” Tiger’s eyes widened.…

Long before European contact in 1492, the Caribbean was full of people who had called its islands home for thousands of years. WALL ART Using animal fat mixed with charcoal, prehistoric artists drew thick and dark lines on the cave walls. Season after season, Taino, Igneri, and Carib people added to the walls. They covered 55 separate caves with more than 6,000 drawings. Those shapes of birds, lizards, dogs, and people were protected for 2,000 years. Located in the Dominican Republic and known today as the Pomier Caves, they are important archaeological sites in the Caribbean. Modern Taino and Carib people consider the cave drawings a connection to their cultural history. Yet, the Pomier Caves aren’t safe. Some sections have been damaged by limestone mining. Activists have pressured the Dominican…

Puerto Rico is an archipelago of 143 islands. Only the three largest islands—Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra—are inhabited by citizens. At about 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, Puerto Rico is the largest island. The remaining islands are small keys, islets, and atolls. Some of them are used as reserves or parks for nature or wildlife overnights. Puerto Rico is part of the Greater Antilles chain of islands. The other islands in the chain are Cuba, Hispaniola (which is divided between the nations of Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and Jamaica. An archipelago is a chain or group of islands.…

By the early 1800s, the once-vast Spanish Empire was fading. Many of its original colonies in the Americas had fought for and won their independence. But Spain was determined to hold on to its few remaining territories. Puerto Rico was one of them. In the mid-1800s, some Puerto Ricans began to demand more freedom from Spain. They wanted an end to high taxes and tariffs. They wanted greater freedom of speech and civil rights. They wanted to abolish slavery. But Spanish leaders and landowners refused to consider any reforms. Activists who supported breaking ties with Spain were imprisoned or exiled. Despite Spain’s harsh treatment, pro-independence rebels organized an armed rebellion. The movement brought together many criollos, who had been born in Puerto Rico and who had developed a sense of…

The most famous American with Puerto Rican heritage may be baseball player Roberto Clemente (see page 31), but here are a few other notable people. José Ferrer was born in Puerto Rico in 1912. His career in Hollywood lasted 60 years. He won the first Best Actor Tony Award in 1947 for his role in the stage production of Cyrano de Bergerac. He also starred in a 1950 film version, for which he won the Best Actor Academy Award. Rita Moreno was born in Puerto Rico in 1931. She is one of the rare performers who has won awards in the four major U.S. categories: an Oscar (film), an Emmy (television), a Tony (theater or stage), and a Grammy (music). She also was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom and…

Sunset CitizenshipHollywoodThe Monroe Doctrine Draw a picture or write a poem or a short essay that connects to one of the above COBBLESTONE themes on which we currently are working. All contributions must be your original work. Include a note from a parent or a legal guardian clearly stating: “This is my child’s original work, and COBBLESTONE has permission to publish it with my child’s name, age, and hometown, in print and online.” We will include as many as we can in an upcoming issue. Mail your submission to the address shown here, or email it to cobblestone@cricketmedia.com.…

Taro is an edible root vegetable grown in the tropics. There’s no denying that Puerto Rico has a wealth of culture, a captivating past, and an abundance of scenic wonders. It should come as no surprise, then, that the island’s food is also rich in fun and flavor. Traditional Borinquén fare has influences from around the world. It is rooted in native tastes. But it was blended with African cooking styles, refined with Spanish flavors, and later zested by Dutch, Irish, Italian, and even Chinese elements. No wonder the cuisine is nicknamed la cocina criolla, or “the creole kitchen!” Puerto Rico’s vivid culinary culture began with the earliest inhabitants, the Taino people. Those Indigenous men hunted game such as ducks, guinea pigs, iguanas, turtles, and fish. The women cared for…

Can you solve this crossword puzzle about Puerto Rico? All the answers can be found in this issue. The solution is on page 49. ACROSS 1. Puerto Ricans are U.S. _____ and are subject to U.S. laws. 3. In recent years, residents of Puerto Rico have been weighing the pros and cons of applying for U.S. _____. 4. Puerto Rico’s rich volcanic soil is perfect for growing _____, which has become a profitable export. 5. Roberto _____ achieved fame as a Major League Baseball player and as a humanitarian. 8. Although not native to the island, _____ are a popular ingredient in Puerto Rican dishes. 9. The United States claimed Puerto Rico as a territory after the _____-American War in 1898. 10. Conquistador Juan _____ _____ _____ was the first…

The Taino language has been considered extinct, but versions of Taino words can be heard today. Often, our familiar 21st-century words are derived from Spanish people learning and borrowing from the Taino people. Take a look. Puerto Rico is found in the Caribbean Sea. The root word in that sea’s name— Carib—is the English version of the Spanish Caribe. The Spanish most likely adopted that word from the local Taino people, who used the word to refer to a member of the local Carib or Cariban people. The Taino used the word to mean “human being.” In the Taino language, hamaca referred to a “fish net.” The Taino people introduced the Spanish to their woven fish net beds that hung suspended between two trees as a way to avoid creatures…