Tristan was discovered in 1506 but not permanently settled until 1817. Its fortunes waxed and waned with the age of sail. The island was temporarily evacuated following a volcanic eruption in 1961, but now is a thriving modern community.
A guide to the Tristan da Cunha History Pages :
Including Tristao da Cunha, American Interlude and British Garrison
A Growing Community 1817 - 1853
A successful trading settlement
Coping with isolation and tragedies
Including a wartime naval station and a fishing enterprise
Volcanic Eruption, Evacuation and re-settlement
Rebuilding 1963 onwards
We hope to develop this page, but you will also find much modern history
elsewhere on the website and in the Tristan da Cunha Newsletter

But first, read the general introduction to Tristan da Cunha's History.....

Introduction to Tristan's History
Tristan was ignored by early explorers as a possible home due to its rugged mountain landscape, absence of natural harbour, lack of land for agriculture, and a harsh climate with heavy rain and high winds at all seasons. It took an extra-ordinary breed of people , ready to live at the margins of life, to settle and eventually thrive in the world's most isolated community.

The Settlers
Only seven surnames (see those shown in capital letters on the graphic right) survive on Tristan da Cunha in the 2006. Trace their arrivals in the history section links above or below.

Flags
The seven modern flags were not all as they were in the years when the settlers arrived - but can you name them all without looking them up?