Timeline of Turks and Caicos Islands

Chronology

17 events spanning the history of Turks and Caicos Islands. BCE/CE dating.

1. 750

   Taino Indians visit the Islands seasonally.

   Taino Indians visit the Islands seasonally. The Tainos are said to be the earliest inhabitants of the Islands and were eventually replaced by the Lucayans.

2. 1492

   Christopher Columbus lands at Guanahani Beach, Grand Turk.

   Christopher Columbus lands at Guanahani Beach, Grand Turk. He finds a settlement of Lucayan Indians. He anchors off the west end of Provo at Malcolm Roads and briefly explores.

3. 1512

   Juan Ponce de Leon stops in Grand Turk on his discovery voyage to Florida.

   Juan Ponce de Leon stops in Grand Turk on his discovery voyage to Florida. He christens the island “Isla del Viejo”, referring to the lone, aged Lucayan man he sees there.

4. 1530 – 1720

   Turks and Caicos Islands are largely uninhabited.

   Turks and Caicos Islands are largely uninhabited, except for possible use as hiding places for buccaneers and pirates.

5. 1706

   Turks Islands captured by the French and Spanish.

   Turks Islands captured by the French and Spanish.

6. 1710

   Turks Islands recaptured by Bermuda.

   Turks Islands recaptured by Bermuda.

7. 1764

   Britain claims ownership of the Islands.

   Britain claims ownership of the Islands.

8. 1783

   French seize Grand Turk.

   French seize Grand Turk. Horatio Nelson tries unsuccessfully to capture Grand Turk. Islands are restored to Britain by the Treaty of Versailles.

9. 1797

   Haitian revolution.

   Haitian revolution.

10. 1812

    Second British American War prevents trade,causing famine in the islands.

    Second British American War prevents trade,causing famine in the islands.