Barbados, a Caribbean island with a rich and diverse history, has undergone significant transformations from its early settlement to becoming an independent nation. The island’s journey is marked by periods of indigenous habitation, European colonization, the establishment of the sugar cane industry, and the struggle for emancipation. This timeline encapsulates key events that have shaped Barbados, reflecting its evolution from a sparsely populated land to a vibrant, independent country.
Chronological history of Barbados
Early History
- 1600 BCE: First known settlement by people from northern South America.
- 500-1500 CE: Arawak and Carib people inhabit the island, calling it Ichirouganaim.
- 1492: Spanish explorers arrive, decimating the indigenous population through warfare, enslavement, and diseases.
- 1532-1620: Brief Portuguese claim, naming it “Barbados” possibly after the bearded fig trees or indigenous bearded men.
British Colonization
- 1625: Captain John Powell claims Barbados for England.
- 1627: First British settlers arrive under Captain Henry Powell, establishing Jamestown (Holetown).
- 1639: Barbados House of Assembly is established, becoming the third parliamentary democracy globally.
- 1640s: Sugar cane was introduced, transforming the economy to sugar production, and leading to the establishment of large plantations worked by enslaved Africans.
Colonial Era
- 1650s: Barbados becomes a major destination for English settlers and indentured servants. The population reaches 44,000 by 1650.
- 1661-1688: Implementation of slave codes to manage the increasing African slave population.
- 1700s: Dominance of sugar plantations; high mortality rates among slaves and indentured servants lead to continuous importation of labour.
Move Toward Emancipation
- 1807: The British Slave Trade Act abolishes the slave trade.
- 1816: Bussa’s Rebellion, the largest slave uprising in Barbadian history.
- 1834: The Emancipation Act takes effect, ending slavery but imposing a four-year apprenticeship period.
- 1838: Full emancipation, freeing all enslaved individuals and leading to celebrations by 70,000 Barbadians of African descent.
20th Century Developments
- 1937: Labor riots lead to social reforms and the formation of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP).
- 1951: Universal adult suffrage granted.
- 1966: Barbados gains independence from Britain on November 30, with Errol Walton Barrow as the first Prime Minister.
- 1967: Joins the United Nations and the Organization of American States.
Modern Barbados
- 2017: Barbados continues to evolve with a focus on preserving its rich culture and history while navigating contemporary challenges.
From its earliest known settlement around 1600 BCE to achieving independence in 1966, Barbados has experienced profound changes. The island’s history is characterized by the arrival of European explorers, the establishment of a lucrative sugar industry dependent on enslaved labour, and the eventual emancipation of its people. In the 20th century, Barbados transitioned towards self-governance and independence, continuing to preserve its rich cultural heritage while addressing modern challenges.
