MUSEO CASA BLANCA

The White House deserves more interest from tourists, and so much the better for those who will have the curiosity to visit it. The site is very pleasant, even if it is only during a walk in the old town. Located behind the Beneficencia park, the house was built in 1521 by the son-in-law Juan de Ponce de León, the first governor of the island. For 250 years, his family and his descendants resided there. However, Ponce de León himself was never able to enjoy it. It was the main residence of the successive governors until the middle of the 18th century. In 1779, the Spanish army took control of it, before it was used by American military leaders after the famous war of 1898. Partially renovated over the centuries, but still in its original state, the house was entrusted to the government of Puerto Rico and declared a historical monument in 1967. In 1981, Casa Blanca was listed in the Historic American Buildings Survey. Today, a national museum is housed in the building, with artifacts from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries of the Taíno Indians. The museum is operated by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture. Also take time to explore the beautiful gardens of the house, planted by General Brooks, the first American military governor of the island in the 20th century. The green spaces are open to the public free of charge. Often deserted after 4:00 pm, they promise a very pleasant moment of relaxation in the calm and shade.