Historical Overview

Aguada, originally called San Francisco de Asís de la Aguada, traces its colonial origins to the early 1500s, with settlement activity tied to Cristóbal de Sotomayor and Spanish expansion on the island. It became an important stopover for ships traveling between Puerto Rico and South America, which helped its economic growth. The municipality is also linked in local tradition to Columbus's landing on the island, though that claim is historically debated. Known as San Francisco de Asís de la Aguada, it developed as a coastal and maritime town with strong religious traditions, strategic value, and economic ties to transatlantic shipping. Its coat of arms preserves these themes through symbols of faith, royal recognition, Columbus-era navigation, and local identity. For genealogical research, Aguada is significant as a mother town: residents of daughter municipalities such as Aguadilla recorded events in Aguada's parish registers before their own parishes were established.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms reflects Aguada's religious and colonial heritage. The crown represents the title of Muy Leal Villa, while the crossed arms of the Redeemer and Saint Francis honor its patronal devotion and Franciscan history. Five ships in the lower portion recall Columbus's second voyage and the town's maritime significance. The colors carry meanings of fraternity, Spanish royalty, hope, fertility, purity, and peace; the red field also recalls the martyrdom of the Franciscan friars at Espinal.

Barrios

Genealogical records often identify individuals by barrio. Aguada has 18 barrios:

Aguada Pueblo
Asomante
Atalaya
Carrizal
Cerro Gordo
Cruces
Espinar
Guanábano
Guaniquilla
Guayabo
Jagüey
Lagunas
Mal Paso
Mamey
Marías
Naranjo
Piedras Blancas
Río Grande

Daughter Municipalities

The following municipalities separated from Aguada. Residents recorded events before their founding year in Aguada's parish:

Añasco (founded 1733) — San Antonio Abad
San Sebastián (founded 1752) — San Sebastián Mártir
Rincón (founded 1771) — Santa Rosa de Lima
Moca (founded 1772) — Nuestra Señora de la Monserrate
Aguadilla (founded 1775) — San Carlos Borromeo

Neighboring Municipalities

Also check records in neighboring municipalities:

Aguadilla — San Carlos Borromeo
Rincón — Santa Rosa de Lima
Moca — Nuestra Señora de la Monserrate
Añasco — San Antonio Abad

Historical Maps

Historical maps help identify barrios, boundaries, and communities as they existed in the past. Maps from the 18th and 19th centuries are preferred.

🗺

Historical maps coming soon

Genealogy Toolkit

Civil Records

Began in 1885

Covers births, marriages, and deaths.

⬇ Search Civil Records

Parish Records

Parish: San Francisco de Asís

Records from 1690

⬇ Search Catholic Records

Digital Archives

FamilySearch: Aguada Civil and parish records
FamilySearch: Puerto Rico Genealogy Complete records guide