Timeline of Aruba

Chronology

15 events spanning the history of Aruba. BCE/CE dating.

1. 650

   First Arawak arrival

   First Arawak arrival.

2. 1499

   The Spanish discovered the islands

   The Spanish discovered the islands.

3. 1636

   Aruba was aquired by the Dutch

   Aruba was aquired by the Dutch.

4. 1799 – 1802

   The United Kingdon occupied Aruba

   The United Kingdom occupied Aruba until 1802.

5. 1805 – 1815

   The island fell to the British during the Napoleonic Wars

   From 1805 to 1815 the island fell to the British during the Napoleonic Wars, Aruba has remained under Dutch control ever since.

6. 1805 – 1816

   The United Kingdon occupied Aruba again

   The United Kingdom occupied Aruba until 1816.

7. 1816

   Island is returned to the Netherlands after coming under British rule during the Napoleonic Wars.

   Island is returned to the Netherlands after coming under British rule during the Napoleonic Wars.

8. 1824

   The discovery of gold near Bushiribana.

   The discovery of gold near Bushiribana.

9. 1863

   Slavery is abolished

   Slavery is abolished.

10. 1924

    Aruba became home to one of the world’s largest oil refineries

    Aruba became home to one of the world’s largest oil refineries.