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May 4, 1494
Christopher Columbus discovers Jamaica
On his second voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus first "discovered" Jamaica claiming the island for the Spanish monarchy. -
Jan 1, 1509
First Spanish Colony
Juan de Esquivel is appointed as the first Governor of the Spanish Colony. Due to the Spanish settlements, harsh treatment of the Native population, and European diseases most of the Native living Arawakan population is whiped out by the end of the 16th century. -
Period: Jan 1, 1509 to
Spanish Occupation
Spanish Occupation of Jamaica -
Jan 1, 1517
Arrival of the first African slaves
From approximately 1517 onwards, Spain brought the first African slaves to Jamaica to cultivate their plantations. -
Jan 1, 1550
Extinction of the Native Arawakan population
Thus, the lack of labor force triggered an increased demand of African slaves. -
British occupation
As a result of a successful attack on the Spanish-occupied Jamaica by Admiral Sir William Penn and General Robert Venables, Jamaica is now captured by the British. Former Spanish slaves manage to flee to the Jamaican hinterland, establishing the first Maroon communities. -
Jamaica's First Governor
Sir Thomas Mody Ford is appointed first governor of Jamaica. -
Period: to
British Occupation
British occupation of Jamaica until its independence in 1962. Yet, Jamaica today still remains under the official reign of the British Crown, Queen Elizabeth II. -
Treaty of Madrid
British gained formal possession of Jamaica through the Treaty of Madrid. -
Beginning of the large scale sugar industry
From the 18th century onwards, the British engaged in large-scale sugar production. Thus, more and more African slaves were brought to Jamaica and soon outnumber the White population. -
Outbreak of the First Maroon War
Between 1731 and 1739, the Jamaican Maroons fought against British forces until a Peace Treaty was concluded in 1739. -
Period: to
First Maroon War
The First Maroon War was a conflict between the British colonial authorities and the Jamaican Maroons. -
Trelawny Peace Treaty
This Peace treaty ended the First Maroon War. -
Period: to
Second Maroon War
The Second Maroon War of 1795-1796 was an eight-month conflict between the Maroons of Trelawney Parish, Jamaica, and the British. It resulted into the deportation of over 500 Trelawney Maroons to Nova Scotia. -
Outbreak of the Second Maroon War
The Second War lasted roughly eight months and was fought between the Trelawney Town Maroons and the British forces. Not all Maroon communities participated. -
Deportation to Nova Scotia
Over 500 Maroons were deported to Nova Scotia, where they remained for about the following four years. -
Final Deportation to Sierra Leone
In the year 1800. the Jamaican Maroons were once again forced to re-settled. They brought to Sierra Leone, where their settlement can still be found today. -
Emancipation Act of 1833
This act prohibited slavery within the British Empire, yet excluded "Territories in the Possession of the East India Company." -
Slavery abolished
Slavery was now officially abolished in Jamaica. -
Land Allotment Act
The re-distribution of Jamaican lands voided the 1739 treaty agreement and caused great controversy and resistance among Jamaican Maroons/ -
Jamaica Become's a Member of the West Indies Federation
Jamaica became a key member of the West Indies Federations which is sponsored by the British. Jamaica stays in this Federation until its independence in 1962. -
Jamaican Independence
1962 Jamaica gained their independence from Britain and elected Alexander Bustamente as their first prime minister
