This fortress-like house was once the home of Juan Ponce de León, a 16th-century Spanish explorer and one-time governor of the eastern part of Hispaniola, who is best known for colonizing Florida in 1503. 

Built in 1505 and beautifully restored by the park service, the house is constructed completely of stone and features a single window above its narrow entry – bewildering architectural choices given the tropical heat but conscious ones no less considering then relations between the conquistadors and the native population.  Inside are items that are said to have belonged to León himself, such as his suit of armor and a huge mahogany treasure chest.

Juan Ponce de León occupied the house until 1508 when he was made governor of neighboring Boriquen (present-day Puerto Rico).