What was Trinidad original name?

Land of the Hummingbird
The original name for the island in the Arawaks’ language was Iëre which meant “Land of the Hummingbird”. Christopher Columbus renamed it La Isla de la Trinidad (‘The Island of the Trinity’), fulfilling a vow he had made before setting out on his third voyage. This has since been shortened to Trinidad.

What are two historical sites in Trinidad?

Seven Must See Historical Sites in Trinidad and Tobago

• The Houses of Parliament (Red House), Port of Spain.
• Fort George, Port of Spain.
• Stollmeyer’s Castle (Killarney), Port of Spain.
• Our Lady of Montserrat, Tortuga.
• Fort King George, Tobago.
• Police Museum, Port of Spain.

Who came first in Trinidad and Tobago?

The first settlers in Trinidad and Tobago are reported to have been two First Peoples (aka Amerindian) tribes as early as 5000BC, often described as the Arawaks and the Caribs, though new research has provided a number of alternative narratives.

Why do they call it Trinidad and Tobago?

Located off the coast of Venezuela, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a small island country in the West Indies. The nation is made up of several small islands, but gets its name from two main islands – yes, you guessed them – Trinidad and Tobago.

Where did Christopher Columbus land in Trinidad?

Columbus in Trinidad Christopher Columbus had nearly run out of drinking water when, on July 31, 1498, he sighted the three peaks of the Trinity Hills, which are said to have inspired him to name the island Trinidad. He landed near present-day Moruga, where he gathered fresh water from the river.

Who discovered Trinidad?

Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus landed on Trinidad, which he named for the Holy Trinity, in 1498 and found a land quietly inhabited by the Arawak and Carib Indians. It was nearly a century later that Europeans began to settle Trinidad (called “leri&—land of the hummingbird—by the Amerindians).

Who built the Red House in Trinidad?

D. M. Hahn
It was opened to the public on the 4th February, 1907, by Governor, Sir H.M. Jackson. The building was designed and built by D. M. Hahn, Chief Draughtsman of the Public Works, at an estimated cost of £7,485.

What is Trinidad known for?

Trinidad and Tobago is well known for its African and Indian cultures, reflected in its large and famous Carnival, Diwali, and Hosay celebrations, as well being the birthplace of steelpan, the limbo, and music styles such as calypso, soca, rapso, parang, chutney, and chutney soca.

How many years was Spain in control of Trinidad?

In reality, we were already “found” and occupied by the indigenous Amerindian tribes of the Arawaks and Caribs. Trinidad remained in the hands of the Spanish from the 15th Century until the British captured it in 1797 – we then became a British colony in 1802.

Was there slavery in Trinidad?

Under British rule, Trinidad’s development as a sugar colony continued, although in 1806–07 the slave trade was completely prohibited. Slavery was abolished in two stages between 1834 and 1838, and the sugarcane planters were unable to secure the steady, tractable, and cheap labour they wanted.

Who owns Trinidad and Tobago?

Trinidad and Tobago achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1962 and obtained membership in the Commonwealth and the United Nations that same year. It became a republic in 1976. The capital of Trinidad and Tobago is Port of Spain, located on the northwestern coast of Trinidad.

What is the oldest school in Trinidad and Tobago?

Presently, Queen’s Royal College has been reformed to one of the oldest Secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago. The foundation stone for the building was laid on 11 November 1902, by Sir Courtney Knollys, who was the acting Governor of the day.

What are the best historical sites in Trinidad and Tobago?

Here is our list of the top 10 Best Historical sites in Trinidad and Tobago. The breathtaking sunset views from this well preserved military fort make this a must-see destination. This historical destination which overlooks Scarborough is the best preserved colonial fort in Tobago.

What is the history of Trinidad and Tobago’s Basilica at Woodford Square?

Designated as a minor basilica, one of its most distinctive features is its stained-glass windows, which depict Trinidad ’s history. Completed in 1818 in the Gothic revival style, with its hammerbeam roof made of local wood, this is one of several historic buildings overlooking Woodford Square.

Who built the Knowsley building in Trinidad?

Construction was carried out by George Brown of the Trinidad Trading Company and the building was completed in 1904. It is also known as the official residence of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Port of Spain. The Knowsley Building in Port of Spain is a beautifully constructed building worthy of being among the Magnificent 7.