Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus had been at Puerto Rico in 1493. The Island was originally called "San Juan Bautista" by Columbus. After gold was discovered they called the Island "Puerto Rico which means Rich Port and the capital now was San Juan. The Spanish had controlled the Puerto Rico colony. The French, Dutch, and the English Failed to Conquer the Island.
American History of Puerto Rico
The history on how Puerto Rico became an American territory was the Spansh American War. When we faught spain at the turning of the twentieth century for just over two weeks the United States recieved many territories which were Cuba, the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico was included.
Why You Don't Need a Passport
Because of the Jones Act of 1917 Puerto Ricans have identical rights as citizens in the mainland, Hawaii, and Alaska. And also because of the Jones Act Puerto Rico has the United States currency and no United States resident or citizen needs a passport to go there.