Timeline of Fiji

Chronology

25 events spanning the history of Fiji. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1643

   Dutch explorer Abel Tasman is the first European to visit the islands.

   Dutch explorer Abel Tasman is the first European to visit the islands.

2. 1774

   Visited by Captain James Cook of England.

   Visited by Captain James Cook of England.

3. 1800

   Traders visited to get sandalwood.

   Traders visited to get sandalwood.

4. 1844

   First Roman Catholic missionaries arrive in Lakeba.

   First Roman Catholic missionaries arrive in Lakeba.

5. 1845

   The 11 year war

   On a June morning the Roko Tui Dreketi, Banuve, was invited aboard Cakobau’s canoe, Ra Marama, where he was to formally accept Cakobau’s offer of peace, but no sooner had he stepped on board when Cakobau split his head with his battle axe. Chief Cakobau gains control of most of western Fiji, while another Christian convert, Ma’afu from Tonga, controls the east.

6. 1868

   Cakobau sells Suva - the current capital of Fiji - to an Australian company.

   Cakobau sells Suva - the current capital of Fiji - to an Australian company.

7. 1871

   European settlers at Levuka island organize a national government .

   European settlers at Levuka island organize a national government and name Cakobau king of Fiji following local disorder.

8. 1874

   Fiji becomes a British crown colony at the request of Cakobau and other chiefs.

   Fiji becomes a British crown colony at the request of Cakobau and other chiefs.

9. 1875

   Measles epidemic wipes out one-third of the Fijian population.

   Measles killed over 40,000 in Fiji, reportedly after Ratu Cakobau and his two sons returned from Australia, where they contracted the disease.

10. 1876

    Sir Arthur Gordon issues a proclamation

    Sir Arthur Gordon issues a proclamation pardoning all hill tribes, bringing to an end all the wars in Viti Levu.