Bermuda, a small archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, has a rich and varied history marked by exploration, settlement, and transformation. Discovered by Spanish navigator Juan de Bermúdez in 1505, the island remained relatively obscure until the shipwreck of the Sea Venture in 1609, which led to the establishment of a permanent English settlement. Over the centuries, Bermuda evolved from a strategic naval base and colonial outpost into a significant tourist destination and financial hub, all while navigating its unique cultural and political landscape.
Chronological history of Bermuda
Early Discoveries and Settlement
- 1505: Spanish navigator Juan de Bermúdez is believed to have discovered Bermuda, which was named after him.
- 1511: Bermuda appears on a Spanish map as “Bermudas”.
- 1609: The English ship Sea Venture, part of a fleet heading to Virginia, shipwrecks on Bermuda’s reefs during a storm. Survivors, including Sir George Somers, establish a temporary settlement.
- 1610: Most survivors leave for Virginia, but a few remain, marking the beginning of a permanent presence on the island.
- 1612: The Virginia Company extends its charter to include Bermuda, sending 60 settlers to establish the town of St. George’s, the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the New World.
Colonial Era
- 1616: The first African slaves are brought to Bermuda.
- 1620: The first Bermuda Parliament, the House of Assembly, convenes.
- 1684: The British Crown takes over administration from the Somers Isles Company, making Bermuda a royal colony.
- 1775: During the American Revolutionary War, Bermudians steal British gunpowder and supply it to American forces in exchange for food.
19th Century Developments
- 1815: The capital of Bermuda is moved from St. George’s to Hamilton.
- 1834: Slavery is abolished throughout the British Empire, including Bermuda.
- 1849: The first Portuguese immigrants arrive from Madeira, significantly influencing Bermuda’s agricultural sector.
20th Century to Present
- 1941: The United States leases land in Bermuda for military bases, enhancing the island’s strategic importance during World War II.
- 1950s-1960s: Bermuda becomes a significant tourist destination, bolstered by its subtropical climate and proximity to North America.
- 1968: Bermuda gains a new constitution, granting it greater self-governance while remaining a British Overseas Territory.
- 1995: A referendum on independence from Britain is held, with the majority voting to remain a British territory.
Modern Era
- 2017: Bermuda became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, and it later repealed it.
- 2020: Bermuda successfully manages its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming one of the first countries to reopen to international tourists with strict health protocols.
From its early days as a shipwreck haven to its current status as a modern financial centre and tourist destination, Bermuda’s history reflects its adaptability and resilience. The island’s journey through discovery, colonial rule, and self-governance illustrates its significant role in regional and global contexts. Today, Bermuda stands as a testament to its complex heritage and ongoing evolution within the broader historical narrative.
