Grenada

Discovered by Columbus

Jan 1, 1498

Christopher Columbus discovered the island and named it "Concepcion". Later, the Spaniards changed the name to Grenada after their own city, Granada.

French Possession

Jan 1, 1674

By 1674, the French had finally subdued the native Caribs enough to take control of Grenada. France struggled with the suppressed natives and the British while making the island flourish, producing sugar through the use of slaves.

Permanent British Control

Sep 3, 1783

The Peace of Paris of 1783 permanently ceded Grenada to Great Britain. The British held the island until it gained its independence.

Fédon Rebellion

Mar 2, 1795

Inspired by the French Revolution, Julien Fédon led a rebellion against slavery in 1795. The slaves rose up and temporarily took control of Grenada.

Slavery Abolished

Jan 1, 1834

When Great Britain removed slavery from its rule, all of the slaves in the land the country owned were set free. This released the tension in Grenada from the Fédon Rebellion.

Crown Colony

Dec 3, 1877

In 1877, Grenada became a Colony, ruled by a monarch-appointed governor.

First Political Party Formed

Jan 1, 1950

The Grenada United Labour Party was formed in 1950 by Eric Matthew Gairy, who was later voted to be the leader of the assembly. This political party had pro-union and pro-independent beliefs.

Associate Statehood with Britain

Mar 3, 1967

The Associated Statehood Act of 1967 granted Grenada a full internal self-government as an associate state with the British. This brought them one step closer to independence.

Independence Gained

Feb 7, 1974

After being rule by the British for nearly 200 years, Grenada gained its independence in 1974.

New Jewel Movement Coup

Mar 13, 1979

Maurice Bishop took the New Jewel Movement into power as the People’s Revolutionary Government. With help from Cuba, Bishop set up a socialist government.