R�o Piedras' origins go back to 1714 when a settlement along the shores of the Piedras river was recognized by Governor Juan de Rivera. Originally known as El Roble, it eventually adopted the name of the river that crossed its territory (R�o Piedras in Spanish).
During the nineteenth Century, most of its territory was used for agricultural and livestock-raising purposes. Sugar cane, cotton and coffee were some of the goods produced during this era at the municipality.
On May 12, 1903 the University of Puerto Rico was founded in R�o Piedras. The university was a central part of the development of Rio Piedras, both in housing and economically. Even though the campus covers a very small portion of the territory, it is considered the unofficial symbol of the old town. Currently, the R�o Piedras Campus is recognized as the main campus in the University of Puerto Rico system. The Botanical Gardens of the University are also located at R�o Piedras
