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History of Falkland Islands
From antiquity to the modern era — the historical eras, key events, and narrative that shaped Falkland Islands.
Overview
Navigators of several countries have been credited with first sighting the Falklands but the earliest sighting that has been conclusively authenticated was by the Dutch sailor Sebald van Weert in 1600. The first known landing was made in 1690 by a British naval captain, John Strong. He named the Islands after Viscount Falkland, who was his patron at the time and who shortly afterwards became First Lord of the Admiralty.
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Historical Eras
The major periods of {country}’s history at a glance.
Early Encounters
1592 – 1764
European navigators gradually became aware of the islands, with the first conclusively authenticated sighting made by Dutch sailor Sebald van Weert in 1600 and the first recorded landing by British captain John Strong in 1690, who named them after Viscount Falkland. For over a century the islands remained uninhabited by Europeans, serving only as a waypoint for passing vessels engaged in exploration and trade.
Rival Settlements
1764 – 1833
France established the first permanent settlement at Port Louis in 1764, handing it to Spain two years later for £24,000. Britain simultaneously planted a colony at Port Egmont in 1765, asserting sovereignty for George III, though it withdrew the settlement on economic grounds in 1774 without abandoning its claim. After Spain withdrew in 1811, the newly independent Buenos Aires government made intermittent and contested attempts to assert authority, culminating in the brief and turbulent commandancy of Louis Vernet.
British Crown Colony
1833 – 1982
HMS Clio arrived in January 1833 to reassert British sovereignty, expelling the Buenos Aires garrison and establishing continuous British administration. A civil Lieutenant Governor was appointed in 1841, the first Executive and Legislative Councils were set up in 1845, and universal adult suffrage was introduced to the Legislative Council in 1949. The islands developed a pastoral economy centred on sheep farming, with Stanley as the capital and a small but stable British settler population.
Falklands War
1982 – 1982
Argentine military forces invaded and occupied the islands on 2 April 1982, triggering an international crisis and a swift British military response. A naval task force was dispatched and an expeditionary force landed seven weeks after the invasion, engaging Argentine troops in fierce combat across East and West Falkland. Argentine forces surrendered on 14 June 1982, restoring British administration after 74 days of occupation.
Modern Falklands
1982 – present
Following the war, Britain significantly reinforced the islands' defences and constructed a permanent military base at Mount Pleasant, transforming the strategic landscape. A new constitution in 1985 strengthened self-governance, and the economy diversified substantially through the licensing of fishing rights and oil exploration in surrounding waters. The territorial dispute with Argentina formally persists, but the Falkland Islands have developed a prosperous, self-sufficient community with a strong sense of distinct identity.
Timeline Preview
The first 7 key events. View the full chronology on the timeline page.
1592
First sighting of the Falklands by Captain John Davis in the Desire.
First sighting of the Falklands by Captain John Davis in the Desire.
1684
First recorded landing by Captain John Strong of the Welfare.
First recorded landing by Captain John Strong of the Welfare.
1767
French Colony formally handed over to the Spanish.
French Colony formally handed over to the Spanish.
1770
The Spanish arrive in Port Egmont, and out-numbering the British, order them out.
The Spanish arrive in Port Egmont, and out-numbering the British, order them out.
1774
British leave Port Egmont. Settlement abandoned.
British leave Port Egmont. Settlement abandoned.
1840
Colonial Lands and Emigration Commissioners approve the colonization of the Islands.
Colonial Lands and Emigration Commissioners approve the colonization of the Islands.
1939
Battle of the River Plate. Falklands provide shelter for British war ships.
Battle of the River Plate. Falklands provide shelter for British war ships.