Early History
Culebra. A timeline of historical events.
The Carib Indians were residents on the island of Puerto Rico during its colonization. After the Taíno rebellion of 1511, Taíno Indians from the main island sought refuge and allied with Caribs to launch random attacks on the island estates. Interestingly, sources suggest that the island remained vacant for centuries until the era of Spanish commerce through the Americas when pirates, fishermen, and sailors took advantage of it. Cayetano Escudero Sanz settled it on October 27, 1880, as the Spanish government offered these parcels of land to anyone who would move to the island. This first settlement is known as San Ildefonso de la Culebra, honoring the Bishop of Toledo. In 1902, it became a part of Vieques. A new church was built with materials from San Ildefonso and a customs office.
Research Recommendations
Search records in Vieques and Fajardo before 1896. In addition, my experience has led me to believe that residents could have come from Yabucoa and Humacao.
Culebra – Baptisms
| Book | Year | Image | Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1896-1936 | 4 |
Culebra – Marriages
Culebra – Burial Inscriptions
| Book | Year | Image | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug.1891 to July 1893 | 608/609 | First 2 pages are for Culebra. I suggest you review Culebra’s Civil Registration Books. |