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History of Anguilla
From antiquity to the modern era — the historical eras, key events, and narrative that shaped Anguilla.
Overview
The Leeward Islands British dependencies lie east of Puerto Rico in the region where the Greater Antilles and Lesser Antilles meet. The British Virgin Islands, immediately east of their United States counterparts, consist of more than forty islands, rocks, and islets, the most important of which are Tortola (containing the capital of Road Town), Virgin Gorda, and Anegada (see fig. 16). Anguilla (pronounced "an-GWIL-a") lies some 120 kilometers east of the British Virgin Islands (see fig. 17).
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Historical Eras
The major periods of {country}’s history at a glance.
Pre-Colonial Period
2000 BCE – 1650
Anguilla was inhabited by Amerindian peoples, including the Arawaks and later the Caribs, long before European contact. Whether Christopher Columbus sighted the island during his 1493 voyage remains uncertain, though a French expedition noted it in 1564. The island's name derives from the Spanish word for eel, reflecting its long, narrow shape and serpentine shoreline.
Early British Settlement
1650 – 1825
English settlers from Saint Kitts colonized Anguilla in 1650, establishing the island as a British possession. The settlement faced repeated violent challenges, including Carib raids in 1656, Irish landings in 1698, and French attacks in 1745 and 1796, all of which were repelled. The island developed modest plantations relying on enslaved African labor, though its thin soils limited large-scale agricultural prosperity.
Federation with St. Kitts
1825 – 1967
Against the strong objections of its inhabitants, Anguilla was incorporated into a unified British dependency with Saint Kitts and Nevis in 1825, subordinating the island to Saint Kitts-based administration. Anguillans resented this arrangement for over a century, as the island received little investment or political representation relative to its partners. Multiple attempts to achieve separation or greater autonomy during the 19th and early 20th centuries were rejected by British authorities.
Revolution & Secession
1967 – 1980
When Britain granted Saint Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla associated statehood in 1967, Anguillans revolted, expelling Saint Kitts police and burning down the Government House, then declaring their own independence. A 1969 unilateral declaration of a republic prompted Britain to send paratroopers and police in 1969, though negotiations ultimately favored the Anguillans. By 1971 Britain formally allowed Anguilla to separate, and in 1980 the island became a distinct British dependent territory.
British Overseas Territory
1980 – present
Since 1980 Anguilla has functioned as a British Overseas Territory with its own elected House of Assembly and Executive Council, while Britain retains responsibility for defense and foreign affairs. The island developed a prosperous, tourism-driven economy and a thriving offshore financial sector over subsequent decades. Anguilla continues to maintain its distinct identity and has consistently rejected full independence in favor of its constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom.
Timeline Preview
The first 7 key events. View the full chronology on the timeline page.
1493
Anguilla was first spotted by Christopher Columbus in 1493.
Anguilla, the smallest Island in the Leeward Island, was first spotted by Christopher Columbus in 1493 . He gave the Island her name “Anguilla” because of its shape resemblance to an eel, Anguilla means “eel” in Spanish.
1650
Anguilla became a British colony.
Anguilla became a British colony.
1656
Amerindian attack English settlement on Anguilla.
Amerindian attack English settlement on Anguilla; killed men, captured women and children.
1666
French attack Anguilla.
French attack Anguilla.
1688
French and Irish attack Anguilla, colonists flee to Antigua.
French and Irish attack Anguilla, colonists flee to Antigua.
1825
Against the wishes of the islanders, Anguilla became incorporated with St Kitts and Nevis.
Against the wishes of the islanders, Anguilla became incorporated with St Kitts and Nevis.
1967
Locals burned down Government House and declared their independence.
In Anguilla locals burned down Government House and declared their independence from St. Kitts & Nevis. Britain sent 300 troops followed by police to quell the rebellion.