FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-084

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (May 20, 2026) – This edition of Fun with Maps is about Cuba gaining independence from the U.S.

Fidel

Cuba became independent from the US on May 20, 1902.  The US had control of the island nation four years as part of the settlement for the Spanish-American War.  The Spanish ruled for a long time having colonized the island in the 15th century.

After independence Cuba enjoyed democracy until 1933 when a coup toppled the government and a long period of military rule followed.

Fidel Castro with his small band of followers fought the military and took power in 1959.  The communist party has been in control ever since.

Fidel with his hallmark cigar on hand or in mouth gave speeches which ran into hours.  He advocated helping fellow communists and socialists globally, despite Cuba not having an abundance of resources.  The CIA tried to assassinate him and sponsored the disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion by loyalist Cuban exiles.

Today Cuba is a beach mecca for vacationing Europeans and Canadians.  But the economy is in trouble.  A very visible sign of issues are the cars, mostly 1950s vintage, getting grounded due to gas shortages.

Here is Colton’s map of Cuba, Jamaica and Puerto Rico from 1857.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.