Management and transformation of urban spaces in San Juan de Puerto Rico during the government of Miguel de la Torre (1823-1837)

Abstract

This article analyses aspects related to the development of the paving, lighting, sewerage and cleaning of streets and squares in the city of San Juan de Puerto Rico, during Miguel de la Torre’s government of the island (1823-1837). With this research we intend to offer a new and complementary view to the existing one on the management of this governor, who, along with the Cabildo, had powers in these matters, while at the same time deepening the analysis of the urban history of the city of San Juan for that period. The information on the experience that other relevant urban centers of the period, such as Madrid, Mexico or Havana, had in this type of actions is also included, with the purpose of contextualizing both the measures applied and their scope.