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Jan 1, 1494
Christopher Columbus sights Jamaica
Christopher Columbus sights Jamaica after the Cuban Tainos told him about them. -
Jan 1, 1509
Jamaica ceded to Spain
Jamaica is ceded to Spain empire in the New World under a liscence from Columbus' son. -
Period: Jan 15, 1509 to
Spanish Rule
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Jul 1, 1509
African slaves brought in
Slaves are brought in from Africa to work the sugar plantations. -
Invasion of Jamaica
Jamaica becomes a coveted piece to European countries because of the sugarcane. Jamaica was prize in war between Spin and England. -
Period: to
British Rule
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Treaty of Madrid
Jamaica is formally ceded to British -
Port Royal earthquake
The busiest trading center in the British West Indies undergoes an earthquake. -
Slavery abolished
Slavery in Jamaica is abolished by Queen Victoria of England. -
Banana plantations take off in Jamaica
Plantations set up as sugar cane industry declines due to competition from European beet sugar. -
Racial riots
Serious riots are caused by British racial policies. The People's National Party (PNP) is formed by Norman Manley. -
Jamaica becomes memeber of Federation of West Indies
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Jamaica gains independence
Jamaica withdraws from the Federation of the West Indies. Alexander Bustamente and the Jamaican Labor Party become Prime Minister. -
Period: to
PNP-Manley
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Period: to
JLP-Seaga
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Hurricane Gilbert
Jamaica badly hit by Hurricane Gilbert. -
Violent Protests, 27 dead in Kingston
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Tainos arrive on island
The Tainos arrived in Jamaica in 900 CE after being chased through other Caribbean islands by the Arawaks of northeastern South America. They knew Jamaica as Yamaye, and brought with them their considerable skills in ceramics. -
Period: to Jan 15, 1494
Arawaks
