Mayagüez Plaza, San Juan, P. R.

"In 1576 a decree of the Spanish emperor Felipe II established a set of rules and regulations for settlements in the New World. This were compiled in 1680 in the Laws of Indies. These norms were quite strict. They established the location of the Plazas or main squares in the settlements' core. A rectangular reticulate of streets was to originate from this space. All major governmental and ecclesiastical institutions were to face this central space. Important commercial and residential structures would also surround this main area. According to these regulations the area for the Plaza of Mayaguez was designated in 1760 following the Laws of Indies and by 1836 it had already been paved. During a few years in the late 18th century it was used as market place until the church officials complained. Ever since this area has been used for social, cultural and political purposes. In 1842 after the 1841 fire destroyed part of town the plaza was remodeled. In 1896 to commemorate the discovery of America by Columbus, a bronze statue made in Barcelona by sculpture A. Cole y Pi was erected in the center of the square which was then officially named "Plaza de Cristobal Colon".(1) In 1920 the main square was rebuilt for a third time. The earthquake of 1918 damaged it.(2) Since then the Plaza has been remodeled several times, (1945-1956-1966). During all these remodeling, the integrity of the area has been preserved. The "Plaza de Colon" is still today a good example of colonial urban rules." --Description from United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National, Register of Historic Places, Plaza Pública or Plaza Colón.