Bayamon History Facts and Timeline

(Bayamon, Puerto Rico)



Bayamon's history dates back to 1772, when it was founded by one Juan Ramirez de Arrellano on May 22nd of that year. Many experts claim that the city was named after an Indian chieftain from the area, who was known as Bahamon, while others are of the opinion that it was derived from the word Bayamongo, the title of a river intersecting the city.

The city also has the nicknames 'El Pueblo del Chicharron', which literally translates as the 'Town of Pork Rind', since it is famed for its seasoned cuts of pork. Another is 'Ciudad del Tapon' or 'Traffic Jam City', due to the frequent heavy traffic congestion that remains a constant presence in the city.

Revolts in History

In 1821, a slave by the name of Marcos Xiorro was about to cause much turmoil for the wealthy land owners. Xiorro 'belonged' to powerful militia captain Vicente Andino, who in turn was the owner of one of Bayamon's largest sugar plantations. Unhappy with living his life as a slave, Xiorro fronted up a revolt against both the Spanish Colonial government based in the country and the sugar plantation owners of the area. Whilst the revolts ended up being largely unsuccessful, Xiorro's efforts saw him become something of a hero and an icon among the slaves, earning him a special place in Bayamon's history and his country's folklore.


Link to San Juan

Bayamon is the second-most populous city in Puerto Rico, behind the capital San Juan, and is located within the island's principal metropolitan area. Due to its proximity to the capital, it was chosen as a strategic key city for industry.

With San Juan being the country's number one port, Bayamon was very much envisaged to be the ideal location to manufacture goods and transport them the relatively short 30-minute journey north-east to the capital. Among the many items manufactured and exported in Bayamon today are motor vehicle parts, fabrics, furniture, household items, various metals and all manner of food-related goods.

Even though this has long been one of Puerto Rico's largest and most important cities, it was decided that due to Bayamon's proximity to San Juan, there was no need for an airport to be built here.

Landmarks in the City

A number of major Puerto Rican landmarks are located within Bayamon, as a result of its significant history. Among the most notable buildings based here are the Jose Celso Barbosa Monument, the Braulio Castillo Theatre and also the popular Francisco Oller Museum of Art and History, which stands on the Calle Degetau / Calle Maceo.

The Bayamon City Hall is another of the city's major landmarks and was officially opened in 1980 by then Mayor Ramon Luis Rivera (mayor of the city between the years of 1976 and 2000). When he finally relinquished his role as mayor, his son, Ramon Luis Rivera Junior, took his place. For this reason, the City Hall is especially significant, since it has only been the home office for mayors of the PNP (New Progressive Party).

Unusually, the City Hall is 'suspended' rather like a giant bridge and features a connecting corridor from which pedestrians can view cars passing below. It is thought to be the only such building of its kind in the world.