1998		U.S. House passes bill authorizing new plebscite on island's status; goes to Senate for consideration.  Senate refuses to allow formal recognition of a Puerto Rican vote. • Governor to Press for Statehood (Dec. 15, 1998) • Puerto Ricans: `None of the Above' (Dec. 14, 1998) • Puerto Ricans Bid to End Identity Crisis (Dec. 13, 1998) • Puerto Rico Status Vote Offered (Aug. 2, 1998) • Thousands Protest U.S. Control (July 26, 1998)
1993		Retaining commonwealth status edges out statehood in local plebiscite; independence a distant third.
1968		First pro-statehood governor, Luis A. Ferre, elected.
1952		Commonwealth administration adopted for island.
1948		Puerto Ricans elect governor for first time (Luis Muñoz Marin).
1946		First Puerto Rican-born governor, Jesus T. Pinero, appointed.
1937		37 killed in anti-U.S. protest in Ponce.
1917		U.S. citizenship granted to Puerto Ricans.
1900		Civilian colonial administration established.
1898		Puerto Rico gains autonomy under Spanish rule; U.S. troops take island during Spanish-American War; U.S. military government takes over.
1873		Slavery abolished.
1508		Spanish colonization begins