Adjuntas Municipio Autónomo de Adjuntas | |
|---|---|
Town andMunicipality | |
 View ofAdjuntas Pueblo andEl Gigante Dormido from a nearby mountain. | |
 Coat of arms | |
| Nicknames: | |
| Anthem:Adjuntas es mi amor | |
 Map of Puerto Rico highlighting Adjuntas Municipality | |
| Coordinates:18°09′46″N66°43′20″W / 18.16278°N 66.72222°W /18.16278; -66.72222 | |
| Sovereign state |  United States |
| Commonwealth |  Puerto Rico |
| Settled | 1739 |
| Founded | August 11, 1815 |
| Founded by | Diego Maldonado |
| Barrios | |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | José Soto Rivera (PPD) |
| • Senatorial dist. | 5 – Ponce |
| • Representative dist. | 22 |
| Area | |
• Total | 67.10 sq mi (173.8 km2) |
| • Land | 66.69 sq mi (172.7 km2) |
| • Water | .41 sq mi (1.1 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,316 ft (706 m) |
| Population (2020)[2] | |
• Total | 18,020 |
| • Rank | 62nd in Puerto Rico |
| • Density | 270/sq mi (100/km2) |
| Demonym | Adjunteños |
| Time zone | UTC−4 (AST) |
| ZIP Codes | 00601, 00631 |
| Area code | 787/939 |
| Major routes[3] |       |
| Website | adjuntaspr |
Adjuntas (Spanish pronunciation:[aðˈxuntas]) is a small mountainsidetown andmunicipality inPuerto Rico located in the central midwestern portion of the island on theCordillera Central, north ofYauco,Guayanilla, andPeñuelas; southeast ofUtuado; east ofLares andYauco; and northwest ofPonce. Adjuntas is spread over 16barrios andAdjuntas Pueblo (the downtown area and the administrative center of the city). Adjuntas is about two hours by car westward from the capital,San Juan.
Adjuntas is nicknamed "theSwitzerland of Puerto Rico" because of its relatively chilly weather. ManyPuerto Rican mountain towns have cooler weather than the rest of the island; Adjuntas is no exception: the average yearly weather is 70 °F (21 °C) (High: 83 °F/28 °C; Low: 58 °F/14 °C).[4] Puerto Rico's lowest temperature were recorded in Adjuntas at 38 °F in 2018.[5] Its mild climate attracts a good number of island tourists during the summer months. The town has a small hotel named Monte Rio and a good-sizedparador, or country inn, called Villa Sotomayor.[6]
Adjuntas' ZIP Code, 00601, is the lowest standard ZIP code in theUnited States ZIP code system.
The nameAdjuntas literally translates to "attached" in Spanish. The name is most likely a shortening of "tierrasadjuntas aCoamo" or 'landsattached (orin proximity) to Coamo" as the territory was originally part of the lands ofVilla de San Blas de Illescas, one of the oldest settlements inPuerto Rico, which the municipality gained autonomy from in 1739.[7]
The municipality has received numerous nicknames throughout its history, such asLa Ciudad delGigante Dormido, Spanish for "city of the sleeping giant" after the mountain that overlooks thetown;La Suiza de Puerto Rico ("Puerto Rico'sSwitzerland") due to its relative cool temperatures and mountainous terrain; andLa Tierra de los Lagos ("Land of the Lakes") after the many natural pools orcharcas that are formed by the numerous rivers that flow through the municipality.
Although there arepetroglyphs and traces ofTaíno people in Adjuntas, there is no proof that the region was dominated by any specificcacique. Nearby caciques likeGuarionex andUrayoán could have had some control over the area.
According to historian Aurelio Tió, during theSpanish colonization of Puerto Rico in the 16th century, it is believed that a Spanish interpreter called Juan González settled in the region. Also, historianCayetano Coll y Toste wrote a legend about Spanish people looking forgold in the region of Adjuntas.
As colonization progressed, Adjuntas became part of theSan Blas de Illescas (Coamo village),[8] which was founded in 1579 and became the most important settlement in the south. It is believed that the name "Adjuntas" derives from the term of "being close" to Coamo. As population shifted toPonce, Adjuntas became more linked to that town, and then toUtuado, being a barrio of this municipality in 1739.
With 20 families established in the region, the residents of Adjuntas asked for the settlement to be officially recognized. The town of Adjuntas was then founded on August 11, 1815, with Diego Maldonado being elected as its representative. Acity hall and public square were built shortly after.[9]
Adjuntas was one of the main cities where theAnusim,Maranos, and otherSephardi Jews settled in Puerto Rico.[10]
After the mid-19th century, Adjuntas welcomed many immigrants from the Mediterranean islandsCorsica andMajorca. Some of them establishedcoffee plantations. During the last decades of the 19th century, the coffee produced in Adjuntas was exported to Europe, United States and even theVatican.[11]
Adjuntas was proclaimed a "villa", or a first order municipality, by theSpanish Government Monarchy in 1894.[12] Several years after, the town was occupied by theUnited States Army forces during theSpanish–American War of 1898 and was visited by PresidentTheodore Roosevelt in 1906.[13]
The discovery of rich deposits of copper, gold and other minerals during the 1960s motivated some local community and environmental leaders to oppose the mining.Casa Pueblo, a local community organization settled in Adjuntas, opposed to the mining and advocates for the preservation of natural resources in Puerto Rico.[14][15][16]
In 1992,Southern Gold Resources, a US company, was granted permission to explore for gold in Adjuntas and Utuado, Puerto Rico.[17]
Hurricane Maria on September 20, 2017, triggered numerous landslides all across Adjuntas, with its winds and significant amount of rain, 18.38 inches in Adjuntas.[18][19] The hurricane winds and rain damaged infrastructure and the electrical system of Adjuntas collapsed leaving its over 18,000 residents with no electrical power. PR-10 which connects Adjuntas to Utuado collapsed by 9 feet, and according to the mayor of Adjuntas, 1500 homes were completely destroyed. Nearly 62% of the residents of Adjuntas were already living below the poverty level when Hurricane María hit Puerto Rico.[20] The municipality was also affected by the2020 earthquakes which caused landslides and power outages in the region.[21]
El Gigante Dormido ("the sleeping giant") is a mountain (Cerro El Gigante) and panoramic view that resembles the shape of a man lying on his back, the profile of his face is reflected in the mountain ridges of Adjuntas. Legend says that many years ago a sole resident lived in the region, and he was a giant. The people wanted to live in those fertile lands, but they would observe the giant stretching his arms widely over the area, even peeping his head over the mountain peaks. A witch learned that to kill the giant she would have to hit him in his right eye with a poisoned arrow, which she did one day as he stood up. Being hit in the eye, the giant leapt in pain and fell flat on his back but not before punching the ground hard and that formed an area from where water foamed up. Eventually, the giant on his back became petrified in that position forming the panorama of the profile of his face.[22]
The terrain of Adjuntas is very mountainous due to its location in theCordillera Central. It bordersUtuado in the north and east,Lares andYauco to the west, andGuayanilla,Peñuelas, andPonce to the south.[8]
Historian Pedro Tomás de Córdova described the terrain as "high, and mountainous, and very healthy". He also praised the quality of the terrain for agriculture.[23] Adjuntas' highest peak isMonte Guilarte (3,773 ft; 1,150 m),[24] followed by Vaquiñas (3,346 ft; 1,020 m). Guilarte itself is the sixth highest peak in Puerto Rico and is located inGuilarte State Forest. Córdova also mentioned the water features, describing 26 rivers and 16 creeks that ran through the region.
The following rivers flow through Adjuntas:Río Cidra,Río Corcho,Rio de la Ciénaga,[25]Río Garzas,Río Guilarte,Río Limaní,Río Saltillo,Río Toro,Río Vacas, andRío Yahuecas. There aren't any beaches in Adjuntas given that it is landlocked.[26]
The municipality of Adjuntas is made up of 17barrios, including the barrio-pueblo.[27][28][29][3]
Barrios (which are likeminor civil divisions)[30] and subbarrios,[31] are further subdivided into smaller areas calledsectores (sectors in English). The types ofsectores may vary, from normallysector tourbanización toreparto tobarriada toresidencial, among others.[32][33][34]
| Adjuntas[4] (Climate –Tropical Rainforest (Af)) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Climate chart (explanation) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Adjuntas features atropical rainforest climate that borders on asubtropical highland climate. While the town technically features a tropical rainforest climate, due to its high elevation, the climate is noticeably cooler than the norm for this climate category. Summers are warm (83°-85 °F) in the daytime and mild at nighttime (60°-63 °F).Meanwhile, winters are moderately warm with cool temperatures at night. During daytime, high temperatures are around 79 °F (26 °C) in the town and 68 °F (20 °C) in the nearby mountains. Winter night temperatures are between in the 55 °F (13 °C) and 60 °F (16 °C) range, but aftercold fronts temperatures can drop down to 45 °F (7 °C).[4] Adjuntas' summer climate is comparable to higher altitude locations near the equator (albeit with warmer winters), such asMedellin, while its winters are comparable to higher latitude locations at the limit of the tropics such asWest Palm Beach.
| Climate data for Adjuntas, Puerto Rico (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1970–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 89 (32) | 92 (33) | 90 (32) | 93 (34) | 93 (34) | 92 (33) | 92 (33) | 92 (33) | 91 (33) | 91 (33) | 93 (34) | 88 (31) | 93 (34) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 79.3 (26.3) | 79.8 (26.6) | 80.2 (26.8) | 81.4 (27.4) | 82.6 (28.1) | 84.6 (29.2) | 84.9 (29.4) | 85.1 (29.5) | 84.8 (29.3) | 84.0 (28.9) | 82.0 (27.8) | 79.9 (26.6) | 82.4 (28.0) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 67.9 (19.9) | 67.7 (19.8) | 68.5 (20.3) | 70.3 (21.3) | 72.3 (22.4) | 74.0 (23.3) | 74.1 (23.4) | 74.4 (23.6) | 74.0 (23.3) | 73.3 (22.9) | 71.6 (22.0) | 69.1 (20.6) | 71.4 (21.9) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 56.6 (13.7) | 55.6 (13.1) | 58.7 (14.8) | 59.2 (15.1) | 62.0 (16.7) | 63.3 (17.4) | 63.2 (17.3) | 63.6 (17.6) | 63.3 (17.4) | 62.6 (17.0) | 61.2 (16.2) | 58.3 (14.6) | 60.5 (15.8) |
| Record low °F (°C) | 41 (5) | 43 (6) | 40 (4) | 46 (8) | 47 (8) | 50 (10) | 51 (11) | 52 (11) | 46 (8) | 48 (9) | 42 (6) | 40 (4) | 40 (4) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 2.62 (67) | 2.58 (66) | 4.44 (113) | 7.23 (184) | 9.88 (251) | 4.57 (116) | 5.74 (146) | 9.08 (231) | 12.94 (329) | 10.85 (276) | 6.68 (170) | 3.59 (91) | 80.20 (2,037) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 13.8 | 12.1 | 12.9 | 15.8 | 17.3 | 12.4 | 15.4 | 17.6 | 20.1 | 19.6 | 18.5 | 15.7 | 191.2 |
| Source:NOAA[36][37] | |||||||||||||
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 19,484 | — | |
| 1910 | 16,954 | −13.0% | |
| 1920 | 17,988 | 6.1% | |
| 1930 | 18,075 | 0.5% | |
| 1940 | 22,556 | 24.8% | |
| 1950 | 22,424 | −0.6% | |
| 1960 | 19,658 | −12.3% | |
| 1970 | 18,691 | −4.9% | |
| 1980 | 18,786 | 0.5% | |
| 1990 | 19,451 | 3.5% | |
| 2000 | 19,143 | −1.6% | |
| 2010 | 19,483 | 1.8% | |
| 2020 | 18,020 | −7.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[38] 1899 (shown as 1900)[39] 1910–1930[40] 1930–1950[41] 1960–2000[42] 2010[27]2020[43] | |||
| Racial – (self-defined) Adjuntas, Puerto Rico – 2010 Census[45] | ||
|---|---|---|
| Race | Population | % of Total |
| White | 18,146 | 93.1% |
| Black/African American | 603 | 3.1% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native | 68 | 0.4% |
| Asian | 5 | 0.0% |
| Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander | 1 | 0.0% |
| Some other race | 411 | 2.1% |
| Two or more races | 249 | 1.3% |
In 2020, Adjuntas had a population of 18,020.[46][47]
80% of the per capita income of Adjuntas is a product of agriculture. In 2010, unemployment hit 20.2%. According to mayor,Jaime Barlucea, it decreased to 18.7 in 2011. However, according to the Department of Employment of Puerto Rico, it increased to 21.3.[48]
The municipality of Adjuntas previously formed the AdjuntasMicropolitan Statistical Area, and it has been included in thePonce Metropolitan Statistical Area since the 2020 US Census.[49]
Comunidades Especiales de Puerto Rico (Special Communities of Puerto Rico) are marginalized communities whose citizens are experiencing a certain amount ofsocial exclusion. A map shows these communities occur in nearly every municipality of the commonwealth. Of the 742 places that were on the list in 2014, the following barrios, communities, sectors, or neighborhoods were in Adjuntas: Acueducto neighborhood, Calle del Agua,Guayo barrio, Rullán neighborhood, Saltillo Vaca,Tanamá barrio, andYahuecas barrio.[50]
Since its foundation in the 19th century, the production of coffee,sugarcane, small fruits, and cattle have formed the foundation of the economy of Adjuntas. During the middle of the 20th century, however, the production of sugar declined with the arrival of manufacturing industries.[8]
Adjuntas is still the main producer of coffee on the island.[51][52][48] Other products produced in Adjuntas are tropicalcrops such as bananas,citron andpeaches.
After the economic hardships caused byHurricane Maria in 2017, some economic gains were being made by a number of women working in agriculture in Adjuntas.[53]
During the middle of the 20th century, some manufacturing industries established themselves in town as part ofOperation Bootstrap. However, as of 2012, most of them have already closed. One of the last manufacturing companies in town, a military uniforms company, closed in March 2012.[54]
Although tourism hasn't been an integral part of the economy of Adjuntas, according to historic records, it has been present since the 19th century. Historian Lidio Cruz Monclóva noted that around 1871, some doctors requested patients to travel to Adjuntas to stay in a hotel called "La Adjunteña". The hotel was the property of C.L. Ginestre, and served both tourists and the sick. Cruz noted that doctors believed the colder temperatures of the town were beneficial to health.[55]
In 2018, Adjuntas received approximately 700 tourists on weekends, according to mayorJaime Barlucea.[54] Most of them want to visit thehaciendas established there during past centuries. Some of them are: Hacienda Don Juan,[6] Hacienda Bareal, Hacienda El Muerto, Hacienda Arbela, and Hacienda Pietri. Other landmarks areMonte Guilarte, and theInabón waterfall.
Another known tourist stop in Adjuntas isCasa Pueblo, a local museum and cultural institution founded by a group of activists that fought against thecopper mine exploitation of the area for decades. Casa Pueblo is responsible for many environmental projects, namely the preservation of hundreds of acres of woods and bodies of water.
However, some residents and businesspeople from Adjuntas maintain that the government has not taken advantage of the many tourist attractions in town, which include threeforests,waterfalls, lakes, and many renowned restaurants.[54] One of the projects that has received media coverage is theCastillo de los Niños, built during the mayoralty of Barlucea. Castillo de los Niños is a recreational park resembling a castle, withgazebos.[56][57]
Villa Sotomayor is aparador, featuring ecotourism. Villa Sotomayor features food prepared with local ingredients, from a nearby estateHacienda Nur.[6]
In early 2021, in alliance with neighboringLares, Adjuntas launchedagri-tourism for tourists to visit haciendas where coffee is grown and processed.[52]
There are two places in Adjuntas recognized for their historic significance:Las Cabañas Bridge, a one-lane bridge made of steel and concrete, which was built in 1919,[58] andQuinta Vendrell, a country house built in 1918.[59] TheWashington Irving Grade School was also added to theUS National Register of Historic Places in 2015.[60]
To stimulate local tourism during theCOVID-19 pandemic in Puerto Rico, thePuerto Rico Tourism Company launched theVoy Turistiendo (I'm Touring) campaign in 2021. The campaign featured a passport book with a page for each municipality. TheVoy Turisteando Adjuntas passport page lists theHacienda Tres Angeles (foragritourism), theBosque Guilarte, andLago Garza as places of interest for locals.[61]
In all of the island's municipalities, public education is overseen by thePuerto Rico Department of Education. When Puerto Rico was ceded by Spain in the aftermath of theSpanish–American War under the terms of theTreaty of Paris of 1898 and became a territory of the United States, there were already six public schools established in Adjuntas. HistorianCayetano Coll y Toste offered a detailed account of each of them, including the number of students, which at the time totaled 402.[62]
As of 2018–2019 the following public schools were operational in Adjuntas:[63][64]
Although there are no hospitals in Adjuntas, the town does have a small treatment and diagnostic center located in Adjuntas Pueblo. Also, Castañer Hospital, which is located on the border between Adjuntas,Lares, andMaricao, offers services to the municipality.[66]
According to sources, there has not been a murder in Adjuntas since 2009.[48] However, burglary and theft have increased. Some residents attribute the rise in crime to unemployment and the lack of activities for the youth.[54]
Adjuntas celebrates itspatron saint festival in late July / early August. TheFiestas Patronales de San Joaquin & Santa Ana is a religious and cultural celebration in honor ofSaint Joachim andSaint Anne. The festival generally features parades, games, artisans, amusement rides, regional food, and live entertainment.[8]
Other festivals and events celebrated in Adjuntas include:[67]
The town has a professional volleyball team called Gigantes de Adjuntas that plays on theLVSM in Puerto Rico.[72][73]
In 1874, General José Laureano Sanz,Governor of Puerto Rico, sponsored a road from Ponce toArecibo, going across Adjuntas andUtuado. In 1885, it is believed that the road was under construction.[74]
Nowadays, the main road to Adjuntas isPR-10, that connects the cities ofPonce in the south andArecibo in the north, going across Adjuntas in the center. Before the PR-10 was built, roads like thePR-123, and other small roads were used to reach town.
There is also a small airport in Adjuntas that caters to private airplanes.[75]
Adjuntas has 30 bridges.[76] Built in 1919,Las Cabañas Bridge, made of steel and concrete is a one-lane, historic bridge which remains in operation.[58]
All municipalities in Puerto Rico are administered by a mayor, elected every four years. As of 2021, the mayor of Adjuntas is José Hiram Soto Rivera, of thePopular Democratic Party (PPD). He was first elected at the2020 general elections.
The city belongs to thePuerto Rico Senatorial district V, which is represented by two Senators. In2024,Marially González Huertas andJamie Barlucea, from thePopular Democratic Party andNew Progressive Party, respectively, were elected as District Senators.[77]
Themunicipio has an official flag and coat of arms.[78]
Thecoat of arms of Adjuntas is divided in two. The left side features a shepherd'sstaff crossed with ayarnwinder in a purple field. They symbolize theOld Testament patriarchs, representingSaint Joachim andSaint Anne, parents of theVirgin Mary. Aneight-pointed star sits above them representing the Virgin.[79]
The right side of the coat of arms is divided in three fields. The upper and lower field have green crosses in white fields. The crosses, known as "flory or fleury" are also present in the symbols ofCoamo, because of the relationship between both towns. Two bells lie in the middle field, also a representation of the name of "Adjuntas".
Two coffee branches surround the coat of arms, representing Adjuntas location and its importance in the coffee industry of the island. The castle at the top represents the title of village given to Adjuntas by Spain in 1894.[80]
The flag of Adjuntas has similar symbolisms. A white diagonal stripe divides the flag in two triangles. The upper one is purple, while the lower one is green. In the middle of each triangle lies a white "cross fleury". The white color symbolizes purity, while purple representsSaint Joachim's cloth and green the nature of the town.[80]
The anthem of Adjuntas was written by José Nieves Pérez and is called "Adjuntas, mi amor".[81]
Adjuntas has several nicknames. One is "La ciudad del gigante dormido" ("The city of the sleeping giant"). This is a reference toone of the mountains of the city, which is compared to a "sleeping giant".[82] Another nickname is "La Suiza de Puerto Rico" ("The Switzerland of Puerto Rico") which is a reference to Adjuntas' relatively low temperatures. Adjuntas has an average yearly weather of 70 degreesFahrenheit.[4] Finally, Adjuntas is also called "La tierra de lagos" ("The land of lakes") because of its many lakes.[83]
Among the notableAdjunteños are the following:
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Travel guides from Wikivoyage
Data from Wikidata
