Since 1949, the Governor of Puerto Rico is elected by the people of Puerto Rico to a four year term. Before 1949 the Governor of Puerto Rico was appointed by Spain (during Spanish rule) or by the President of the United States. The Governor's residence is known as " La Fortaleza"
1 List of Governors of Puerto Rico
1.1 Governors under Spanish Crown
? - ? Vicente Yañez Pinzón - Considered first appointed governor of Puerto Rico, but never arrived at the island.
1581 - 1582 Capt. Juan López Melgarejo - requested Juan Ponce de León II to write a general description of the West Indies with emphasis on the part corresponding to Puerto Rico which became known as Memorias de Melgarejo .