Historical Timeline of Tahiti By 23gbonollo Period: 500 to 500 The island was settled by migrating Polynesians 1600 Tahiti was discovered by European explorers 1769 Captain Cook arrives on Tahiti 1826 The 50-year reign of Queen Pomare IV begins. 1836 French Catholic priests were expelled from Tahiti 1847 Tahitian War of Independence 1880 France changes the island's status from protectorate to colony 1891 Paul Gauguin arrives on Tahiti 1918 An influenza epidemic kills about 20% of the Tahitians
