Grand Cayman Historical Timeline

1503: Columbus discovers the islands and names them Las Tortugas.

1655: The islands fall under British governance.

1700: The first royal land grant marks the beginning of permanent settlement.

1713-14: The Treaty of Utrecht officially puts an end to piracy.

1831-33: The first elections are held, and slavery is abolished.

1962: The Cayman Islands choose to remain a British colony.