Rapa Nui

By ihall38
  • 1000 BCE

    AD 1000-1680: Population growth, with estimates reaching 9,000 by 1550.

  • 1400

    1400-1600: Peak period for Moai carving and transport.

    Peak period for Moai carving and transport.

  • 1722: Easter Island discovered by Dutch explorers on Easter Sunday.

    Easter Island discovered by Dutch explorers on Easter Sunday.

  • 1853: Declared a Chilean National Park.

    Declared a Chilean National Park.

  • 1864: Catholic missionary Eugenio Eyraud visits; establishes a mission two years later.

    Catholic missionary Eugenio Eyraud visits; establishes a mission two years later.

  • 1903-1953:

    Island used for sheep farming; population moved to only town.

  • 1960: First commercial airplanes land on the island.

    First commercial airplanes land on the island.

  • 2013: Tourism levels reach about 70,000 visitors annually.

    Tourism levels reach about 70,000 visitors annually.