Christopher Columbus embarked on his second voyage to the Americas in 1493, seeking to expand his discoveries after his initial journey in 1492. As he navigated the Caribbean, Columbus chanced upon a lush island, which he saw the day before and subsequently named Borinquen—a term derived from the indigenous Taíno people who inhabited the area. Columbus named the island San Juan Bautista, paying homage to Saint John the Baptist, reflecting his deep-rooted ties to the Catholic faith and the influence of the church in his expeditions. The island's rich resources and fertile land impressed Columbus and his crew, reinforcing their belief in the New World as a site of immense potential for colonization and resource extraction.

Columbus's arrival in what is now Puerto Rico led to interactions with the Taíno people, characterized by both wonder and conflict. His expeditions were not simply explorative but aimed at establishing Spanish claims over the territories. The name San Juan Bautista later underwent a transformation, as the Spaniards began referring to the island as Puerto Rico, meaning 'Rich Port,' due to its strategic location and ample resources, setting the stage for future colonization efforts. This renaming symbolizes the Spanish vision of the Americas as a land ripe for exploitation and settlement, with Puerto Rico emerging as a key location in the Caribbean for trade and naval operations.

The naming of San Juan Bautista not only encapsulates Columbus's journey but also foreshadows the profound changes that would unfold in the Caribbean and the impact of European colonization on indigenous cultures. The island eventually became a vital part of the Spanish Empire, serving as a military outpost and a hub for trade, significantly influencing its demographic and cultural landscape.