Timeline of The Bahamas

Chronology

13 events spanning the history of The Bahamas. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1492 – 1815

   The island called San Salvador

   The island called San Salvador by Christopher Columbus when he first set foot in the new world in 1492 is believed to be one of the Bahamas.

2. 1629

   The Bahamas were part of the territories in the Americas

   The Bahamas were part of the territories in the Americas granted by King Charles I. to Sir Robert Heath.

3. 1666

   Colonisation of New Providence Island begins.

   Colonisation of New Providence Island begins.

4. 1670

   The Carolina Company

   The Carolina Company acquired a grant of the islands from Charles II.

5. 1671

   The Bahamas were given a governor and a parliament.

   The Bahamas were given a governor and a parliament.

6. 1717

   Bahamas become a British crown colony.

   Bahamas become a British crown colony.

7. 1783

   Treaty of Paris

   Spain cedes the Bahamas to Britain in accordance with the Treaty of Paris after briefly occupying the islands the previous year.

8. 1834

   Emancipation of slaves.

   Emancipation of slaves.

9. 1848

   Turks and Caicos Islands were separated from the Bahamas

   Turks and Caicos Islands were separated from the Bahamas.

10. 1955

    Free trade area established

    Free trade area established in the town of Freeport, stimulating tourism and attracting offshore banking.