Us According to Them

The acquisition of Puerto Rico as a colony in 1898 prompted the interest of many in the United States—the military, correspondents, investors, missionaries, politicians, scientists, and tourists. Wanting to know more about Puerto Rico, its inhabitants, and its potential utility, many of these curious but untrained observers visited the island and documented their experiences for the benefit of future visitors. Decades later, readers continue to revisit these writings and create new accounts that