Historical Overview

Naguabo, situated on Puerto Rico's eastern coast along Vieques Sound, was formally established as a municipality in 1821, though an earlier settlement existed at the site as far back as 1794. The town grew around the parish of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, whose records date to 1798, predating formal municipal status and making them essential for researchers tracing families in this region. The municipality's nine barrios extend from the coastal lowlands inland toward the Luquillo mountain foothills, reflecting the agricultural and maritime economy of the eastern coast. For genealogical research, Naguabo's parish registers beginning in 1798 are the earliest surviving records for this municipality, covering baptisms, marriages, confirmations, and burials for the region before civil registration began in 1885.

Coat of Arms

Image: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The coat of arms features a golden crown at the top, representing civic identity and the town's formal establishment. Silver waves across the lower portion reflect Naguabo's coastal position along Vieques Sound. A broken silver chain alludes to historical themes of resistance and struggle in the municipality's past. The colors carry traditional heraldic meanings of honor, valor, and strength.

Barrios

Genealogical records often identify individuals by barrio. Naguabo has 9 barrios:

Daguao
Duque
Húcares
Maizales
Mariana
Naguabo barrio-pueblo
Peña Pobre
Río
Río Blanco

Neighboring Municipalities

Also check records in neighboring municipalities:

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.

Naguabo (2026)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, TIGER/Line Shapefiles

Genealogy Toolkit

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Civil Records

Began in 1885

Covers births, marriages, and deaths.

⬇ Search Civil Records

Parish Records

Parish: Nuestra Señora del Rosario

Records from 1798

⬇ Search Catholic Records

Diocesan Archive

Diocese: Diocese of Fajardo-Humacao

For sacramental records not available digitally, contact the diocesan archive directly.

Diocese Website

Digital Archives

FamilySearch: Naguabo Civil and parish records
Registros parroquiales, Naguabo 1798–1936 Church Records Direct parish-register catalog entry for Naguabo; includes baptisms, marriages, confirmations, and deaths from 1798 through 1936. Browse images available online.
Puerto Rico, Catholic Church Records, 1645–1969 Digitized Records Islandwide Catholic church-record collection including baptisms, marriages, burials, and confirmations. Includes Naguabo parish records.
Puerto Rico Civil Registration, 1885–2001 Digitized Records Civil registration births, marriages, and deaths for all Puerto Rico municipalities including Naguabo, beginning 1885.
FamilySearch: Puerto Rico Genealogy Complete records guide