Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Indigenous groups construct elaborate burial sites out of clam shells at Monkey Point
on the Caribbean coast.
450 BC
The agricultural revolution arrives in the region, with the introduction of domesticated
corn, yucca and beans. Soon after, trade links with modern-day Colombia and the
USA are established.
AD 800
Petroglyph and statue fever sweeps across Nicaragua. Many designs, including an
Aztec calendar and representations of the deity Quetzalcóatl, herald the arrival of one
of Nicaragua's most important migrations.
1502
Christopher Columbus sails down the Caribbean coastline looking for a sailing route
to the Pacific Ocean, landing briefly in the north. First recorded contact between indi-
genous inhabitants and Europeans.
1523
The main colonizing force arrives, led by Francisco Fernández de Córdoba. Cities of
León (later moved after being buried by Volcán Momotombo) and Granada are founded
soon after.
1635
The first European settlement on the Atlantic Coast is founded near Cabo Gracias a
Dios by the grandly named British Providence Company.
1821
Nicaragua, along with the rest of Central America, becomes independent from Spain
and briefly joins the Mexican Empire and then the United Provinces of Central Amer-
ica.
1838
In abandoning the regional union, Nicaragua becomes the first modern Central Amer-
ican nation to declare independence.
1848
The British seize the Caribbean port of San Juan del Norte, renaming it Greytown.
