Historical Dates*

1494   Christopher Columbus discovered Jamaica and annexed it for Spain.
1509   Juan de Esquivel, first Spanish Governor, arrived with settlers.
1655   Jamaica captured by the English, who landed on may 10.
1662   Children of British subjects made free citizens of England.
1664   First Jamaica Government (House of Assembly) established.
1673   Sir Henry Morgan became Lieutenant-Governor.
1692   Great earthquake in June- Port Royal almost completely destroyed.
1693   City of Kingston founded and laid out.
1694   French invasion repulsed.
1779   Captain Horatio Nelson stationed in Jamaica in charge of defense.
1807   Slave trade with Africa discontinued.
1815   Simon Bolivar, great Latin American liberator, came as a political refugee.
1834   First issue of the gleaner published on Sept. 13th.
1837   Slavery abolished.
1840   First arrivals of indentured Indians.
1850   First arrivals of indentured Chinese.
1865   Morant Bay rebellion. Self-Governing constitution suspend.
1872   Banana shipping started.
1891   First Jamaica trade exhibition.
1907   Kingston substantially destroyed by earthquake and fire.
1915   First Jamaica contingent to England to fight in World War I (1914-1918).
1919   Women given right to vote.
1938   Riots at Frome and other points; appointment of Royal Commission.
1939   Outbreak of World War II (1939-1945).
1944   Universal suffrage and new Constitution (representative Government introduce).
1948   University college of the West Indies (now University of the West Indies)     
         founded.
1953   First visit of reigning monarch of England (Queen Elizabeth II).
1958   Commencement of W.I. Federation.
1959   Internal self-Government established, July 4.
1961   Referendum deciding upon Jamaica's withdrawal from Federation.
1962   W.I. Federation dissolved, March 31.
1962   Jamaica became independent on August6. Parliament opened by H R H Princess 
         Margaret on August 7.
1962   Ninth Central American and Caribbean games held at National Stadium, August 
        11 to August 25.
1962   Jamaica admitted to United Nations, September 18.
1962   First native Governor-General appointed December 1.

* Source: Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the OAS.