Ponce de León arrived in New York City on February 14, 1869. He became an important figure within that city's Cuban community. In New York, he initially established himself as a legal professional. He was the connector between the generation of La Guerra Grande, also known as the Ten Years' War, and the generation of José Martí, which helped to organize the Cuban War of Independence that began in 1895. He also founded the Revolutionary Central Board of Cuban emigrants, which brought together many compatriots dedicated to organizing for Cuban independence, including Martí himself (1853-1895). Martí made numerous references to Ponce de León in his works. Ponce de León was secretary of Junta Cubana, pushing Cuban national agendas in politic spheres. He also served as a notary and ran an influential Spanish-language bookstore and publishing house which produced elegant editions of Cuban literature and also published several of his own works. Also while in New York, he wrote for many Cuban newspapers and magazines, as well as directed "El Educador Popular." He also served as a president of La Sociedad Literaria Hispano-Americana and a Chief Editor of "Cubano del Exilio". As Chief Editor, Ponce de León published writings from various Latino authors like Luis Felipe Mantilla, Antonio Zambrana, and Jose Ignacio Rodriguez. In 1876, he established a library which had the largest collection of Latin American literature in the City at the time with 1,738 titles. Ponce de Leon's exile in the United States lasted 30 years.