16th century

before 1511

Bermuda is sighted by Spanish seaman, Juan de Bermudez.

17th century

1609

Start of human settlement as a result of shipwreck of the English ship Sea Venture which was bound for Virginia.

1612

Permanant settlers arrive from England.

Town of St. George established.

1620

House of Assembly formed, giving some measure of internal self-government.

18th century

1730's

Resistance to slavery continues to grow.

1784

First newspaper begins publication (Bermuda Gazette).

1784

First postal service begins

19th century

1813

The Bermuda Post Office is established.

1815

Hamilton becomes Bermuda's capital.

1834

Slavery is abolished in Bermuda.

1839

The Bermuda Library is founded by Governor Reid with a collection of about 270 volumes in what is now The Cabinet Building.

1849

The "Great Drought" hits Bermuda. The Scotish Black Watch Regiment, stationed in Prospect, Devonshire digs a well on North Shore for drought relief. The well still bears the name of the Regiment.

First Portuguese immigrants arrive from the Madeira Islands. 58 in total.

1871

The Causeway is completed, a 1km link between St.George's Island and the Main Island.

1872

Bermuda's first black newspaper, The Bermuda Times, is published.

1877

Mark Twain arrives in Bermuda for his first visit.

1883

In a General Election, W.H.T. Joell is elected Bermuda's first black Member of Parliament.

1887-90

Bermuda's first telephone and cable services are installed.

20th century

1904

Introduction of electricity.

1930's

Bermuda begins promoting itself as a summer tourist resort.

1931-48

Bermuda Railway in operation.

1938

Introduction of passenger air service between Bermuda and New York.

1944

Woman's suffrage granted.

1946

General use of cars on the island.

1963

Establishment of the first political party.

1965

Formation of the Bermuda Regiment.

1998

Progressive Labour party elected into power.