Historical timeline of Seychelles

Here’s a streamlined historical timeline of Seychelles:

• 1509: Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama discovers the islands, naming the outer islands "The Admiral Islands" and the granite islands "The Seven Sisters."

• 1609: The English East India Company ship "The Ascension" sights North Island but makes no settlement.

• 1744: French administrator Mahé de La Bourdonnais sends Lazare Picault to chart the islands, naming them "Ile d'Abondance."

• 1790: After the French Revolution, Seychelles' colonialists declare independence from Mauritius and France.

• 1811: The British take control of Seychelles.

• 1861-1874: About 2,500 freed slaves are resettled in Seychelles following the abolition of slavery.

• 1903: Seychelles becomes a British Crown Colony; the iconic Clock Tower in Victoria is erected.

• 1939: Queen Elizabeth II visits Seychelles during her Commonwealth tour.

• 1972: Seychelles International Airport opens.

• 1976: On June 29th, Seychelles gains independence, becoming an independent republic.