Cool stuff from costa rica.

Costa Rica

By daltonbrown
  • Sep 18, 1502

    Costa Rica is discovered

    Costa Rica is discovered
    On September 18, Christopher Columbus becomes the first European to reach Costa Rica. Spanish colonization begins in 1522

  • Independence

    Independence
    Costa Rica gains its independence from Spain and joins the Mexican Empire.

  • United Provinces of Central America

    United Provinces of Central America
    The Mexican Empire dissolves; Costa Rica joins El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua as the United Provinces of Central America.

  • Fully Independent

    Fully Independent
    Costa Rica becomes a fully independent country.

  • Juan Rafeal

    Juan Rafeal
    Juan Rafael Mora leads the fight against William Walker, an American who tries to take control of the region.

  • Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve

    Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
    The Absoluta Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is created. It is the first of many protected areas in the country.

  • Eruption

    Eruption
    Arenal Volcano erupts.

  • Oscar Arias Sánchez

    Oscar Arias Sánchez
    President Oscar Arias Sánchez wins the Nobel Peace Prize. He helped end civil wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua.

  • Second Term

    Second Term
    Arias is elected president for the second time.

  • First female president

    First female president
    Laura Chinchilla becomes Costa Rica’s first woman President.