Historical Overview
20 Million BC
Volcanic eruptions in the ocean. Formation of the group of islands.
1.7 Million BC
Termination of volcanoes, cooled lava gave birth to the geological and geographical features.
1351
Madeira Island appears for the first time in a Florentine map titled "Part dell 'Affrica Tratt dalla V. del Portulano Charter."
1418 - 1420
Captains João Gonçalves Zarco, Tristão Vaz Teixeira and Bartolomeu Perestrelo set sail to Porto Santo. Zarco and Teixeira explore the coast. Madeira Island´s colonization begins.
1425
The commencement of the cultivation of sugar cane, also known as “white gold” which paved way to great economic prosperity. Tristão Vaz Teixeira named the administrator of the northern half of the island. The first settlers began to set fire to Funchal´s dense forest determining the best areas for the cultivation of sugar cane.
1440
The area of administration of Tristão VazTeixeira is named a"Captaincy" and is located in Machico. The creation of the Municipalities of Ribeira Brava, São Vicente and Caniço.
1446
Bartolomeu Perestrelo becomes captain-donee of Porto Santo.
1450
João Gonçalves Zarco is named captain of the southwest half of the island, the captaincy of Funchal.
1455
Cultivation of wine. (Malvasia grape Crete /Candia).
1457
Death of João Gonçalves Zarco.
1470
Creation of the municipality of Ponta Delgada.
1478
Christopher Columbus travels to Madeira Islands to buy sugar.
1479
Christopher Columbus Marries Dona Felipa Perestrelo e Moniz, Bartolomeu Perestrelo´s daughter.
1480
Diego Columbus, Columbus´s first born is born in Porto Santo
1497
D. Manuel I incorporates Madeira in the crown of Portugal.
Madeira Island is attacked by pirates.
1508
Funchal received its first charter between 1452 and 1454, which elevated it to town status and the county capital. In 1508 it was elevated to city status and received a coat of arms with five gold forms of sugar, in the shape of a cross, representing the economy of Madeira and fact that in a few decades it became the biggest European sugar exporter.
1513
The Fortress of St. Lawrence in the port of Funchal was constructed to protect the city against pirate attacks.
1514
Inauguration of the Sé Cathedral of Funchal (Commencement 1493). It is elevated to bishopric by Pope Leo X.
1530
Madeira, a major sugar cane exporter, gets competition from America (Portuguese colonies in Brazil).
1566
Funchal is attacked by command of the French privateer Bertrand Montluc.
Palaces and churches were looted.
Death of Montluc.
1580
The Death of King Henry II.
1581
D. Philip II of Spain, becomes D.Philip I of Portugal.
1588
England enters the coastal region of Portugal.
An increasing share of spice and slave trades are taken by English privateers.
1595
The nearby Porto Santo Island is often plundered by pirates.
1617
Porto Santo was a target of a large pirate attack where about 900 people were kidnapped.
1620
English pirate John Ward attacks the capital Funchal (on behalf of Beys of Tunis). About 1200 people were abducted and taken to Tunisia as slaves.
1640
Portuguese free themselves of the hated Spanish rule/regime.
1662
Marriage of King Charles II of England with the Portuguese King´s daughter Catherine of Braganza. Expansion of the Madeira wine trade by English merchants.
1668
Portugal regains its independence.
1703
London imposed a wine embargo against France.
Madeira´s wine business is expanding greatly under the control of British dealers.
1724
cholera epidemic
1748
Strong earthquake
1807 -1814
British “friendly occupation” of Madeira Island during the Napoleonic Wars. Madeira Island was then returned to Portugal in 1814
1828
Madeira´s governor José Travassos Valdez fled to England under the protection of the Royal navy after a crushing defeat by Miguel of Portugal, who unrightfully claimed the crown after the death of King John IV of Portugal, for supporting the rightful heiress Maria II.
1887
The birth of tourism in Madeira Island. An increase in ship traffic to the island from the northern colder European countries paves the way to what is today the main source of economy in Madeira, tourism.
1891
The classy Reids hotel opens its doors to a upper class clientele.
1916 and 1917
World War I, German U-boat arrived and torpedoed 3 ships in Funchal´s harbour.
1922
Charles I , the last emperor of the Austro-Hungarian empire, died after he came into exile in Madeira Island.
1931
Population revolts against the strict economic measures set in place by Oliveira Salazar´s government. A general strike took place that was then suppressed by troops sent in from Lisbon. This event commenced a wave of emigration to South America, USA and Hawaii.
1964
Santa Catarina International Airport is inaugurated
1974
Portugal´s democratic revolution took place on April 25 and put to end years of dictatorship
1976
Political autonomy was granted to Madeira Island. The island has its own government, legislation and presidency.
1986
Madeira is granted great financial support after Portugal entered the European Economic Community.
2010
Madeira was hit by violent winds and torrential rains causing various mudslides throughout the island.