Timeline of Trinidad and Tobago

Chronology

18 events spanning the history of Trinidad and Tobago. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1498

   Christopher Columbus visits the islands.

   Christopher Columbus visits the islands, naming Trinidad after the three peaks at its south-east corner and Tobago after a local type of tobacco pipe.

2. 1498

   Spain colonizes Trinidad, appointing a governor to rule it.

   Spain colonizes Trinidad, appointing a governor to rule it.

3. 1630

   The Dutch settle on Tobago and plant sugar-cane.

   The Dutch settle on Tobago and plant sugar-cane.

4. 1781

   The French capture Tobago from the Spanish, transforming it into a sugar-producing colony.

   The French capture Tobago from the Spanish, transforming it into a sugar-producing colony.

5. 1797

   A British naval expedition captures Trinidad from Spain.

   A British naval expedition captures Trinidad from Spain.

6. 1802

   Spain cedes Trinidad to Britain under the Treaty of Amiens.

   Spain cedes Trinidad to Britain under the Treaty of Amiens.

7. 1814

   France cedes Tobago to Britain.

   France cedes Tobago to Britain.

8. 1834

   Slavery abolished; indentured workers brought in from India to work on sugar plantations.

   Slavery abolished; indentured workers brought in from India to work on sugar plantations.

9. 1889

   Trinidad and Tobago administratively combined as a single British colony.

   Trinidad and Tobago administratively combined as a single British colony.

10. 1945

    Universal suffrage instituted.

    Universal suffrage instituted.