Wednesday, February 12, 2014

San Juan, Puerto Rico 12.9.1971

This 8¢ San Juan stamp commemorates the 450th anniversary of San Juan, Puerto Rico - the oldest continuously inhabited city in America. It was released on 12.9.1971 at San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In 1508Spanish Explorer Juan Ponce de León established the settlement of Caparra on the south shore of San Juan Bay. A year later, the Caparra settlement was moved to a small island on the north side of the bay and renamed Puerto Rico. Its name was changed to San Juan in 1521, with the entire island taking on the name of Puerto Rico. Due to its prominence on the trade routes, a series of fortifications was built to defend the settlement. Known generally as “El Morro,” the fort withstood attacks by British, French, and Dutch raiders, as well as numerous pirate attacks. The fort still stands today.

The stamp design is based on a woodcut.

Thank you Merja.

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