Timeline of

Jamaica
Mishka Cramer

First People on the Island

The first people to settle on the Island were Taino Indians
or Arawaks. They migrated from South America and lived
in the country for about 900 years.

Jamaica Was Discovered

On May 13, 1494, Christopher Columbus discovered
Jamaica. He took a journey to the West Indies in search of
gold, but soon found that there was none to be found.
Jamaica was owned by the Spaniards.

Jamaica is Captured by the

British
In 1655, Jamaica was captured from the Spaniards by the
British. The British used the Island for trade of gold and
silver. They ruled over Jamaica for over 300 years.

Slavery Abolished
In 1838, slavery was abolished.
Jamaica was used as one of the largest importer of slaves.
They were brought from Africa to Jamaica and other
Caribbean Islands.

Jamaica Gains Independence

In 1962, Jamaica becomes free from the British. They
elected their first prime minister Alexander Bustamante.

Works Cited
Jamaica timeline. (2012, August 20). Retrieved
September 22, 2015.
The Slave Trade: A Select Bibliography | The
National Library of Jamaica. (n.d.). Retrieved
September 23, 2015.