Casa del Rey facts for kids
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Casa del Rey
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Main facade, in September 2018
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 Location in Puerto Rico
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| Location | 292 Méndez Vigo Street Dorado, Puerto Rico |
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| Built | 1823 |
| Architectural style | Spanish military neoclassic |
| NRHP reference No. | 89000408 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 19, 1989 |
Casa del Rey means 'house of the king' in Spanish. It is a very old and important building in the historic center of Dorado, Puerto Rico. For many years, it served different purposes, including being a place where town leaders met, a military office, and even a jail. Today, it is a museum where you can learn about local history.
A Look Back at Casa del Rey
Casa del Rey is the oldest building in Dorado. It was built in 1823. When it was first built, it was used by the Spanish government. It provided homes for Spanish officials and also worked as a main office for the military in the area.
Changes Over Time
In 1848, a person named Jacinto López bought the building. He changed it into a home for his family. He added two new sections, making the building shaped like a "U" around an open area inside.
Later, in 1871, Casa del Rey became the home of Manuel Alonso y Pacheco. He was a very famous writer from Puerto Rico, known for his romantic stories and poems.
A Protected Historic Site
Because of its long history and importance, Casa del Rey has been recognized as a special historic place.
- In 1989, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history.
- In 2000, it was also added to the Puerto Rico Register of Historic Sites and Zones. This is a similar list for important places within Puerto Rico.
The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture helped restore the house in 1978. This means they carefully fixed it up to look like it did in the past. Now, Casa del Rey is a museum where visitors can explore and learn about the history of Dorado and Puerto Rico.
See also
In Spanish: Casa del Rey para niños
- Paradores in Puerto Rico
