Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/San Juan de Porto Rico

SAN JUAN DE PORTO RICO, the most important city and capital of the island of Porto Rico. It is a valuable seaport and is provided with strong fortifications. The city proper is on a small island, off the province of Bayamon, and adjacent to the N. coast. Its climate is healthful, and it is one of the most prosperous cities in the West Indies. The superior courts of the island meet in San Juan, and among the important buildings are, the bishop's palace, the

old government house, a large cathedral, custom house, the military hospital, a seminary, arsenal and jail. Under American supervision the city has been greatly improved in every respect. The harbor has been provided with facilities for docking large vessels, and the sanitary arrangements of the city have been modernized. Pop. (1920) 70,707.