Little evidence exists in the history of Costa Rica to indicate how long humans have resided in what is now Costa Rica, but it is generally agreed that the area has been inhabited for at least the past 7,000 years. The early dwellers in this tropical land were roaming hunter-gatherers. As the generations passed and they gained knowledge of the local plant species and their potential uses as food, fiber, building material, and medicine, the foundation for more sedentary populations was laid.
Enter

Colonial History

When Christopher Columbus made his fourth and final voyage to the New World in 1502, he landed at Isla Uvita, a tiny island just off the coast from what is now the major port city of Limón. The natives were wearing such impressive gold and jade jewelry that this region eventually came to be known as Costa Rica, literally “rich coast.” Competition among the Spaniards, together with the difficult climatic conditions of the Atlantic region, limited their success establishing permanent settlements there during the first three centuries of the colonial period. It wasn’t until 1561 that the first Spanish expedition ventured into the central valley that would become the country’s economic and political center in the centuries to come.
Enter

Post-Independence History

During the latter part of the 1700’s, Spain’s concern for the welfare of its American territories decreased as its interest in taxing them increased in order to help solve problems at home. Discontentment with the crown in other parts of Latin America led to wars of independence. Deliberation over the situation of the Guatemalan territories claimed by Spain ended in the signing of the Guatemalan Independence Act on September 15, 1821. News of independence from Spain reached Costa Rica by messenger a month later, and in November of 1821 the first provisional government of Costa Rica was formed.
Enter