The city of Mayagüez, in Western Puerto Rico, was founded by Spanish colonists in 1760. The area had long been settled by indigenous Taínos. Mayagüez became self-governing in 1763 and was made a "villa" (chartered town) in 1836. Severe fire damage in 1841 compelled extensive rebuilding. The town became the focus of a distinctive regional identity and was home to liberal and radical thinkers such as Eugenio María de Hostos and the pro-independence activist Ramón Emeterio Betances. City charter status was granted in 1877.