Tahiti: A History

Tahiti has a long, and storied history. First settled by Polynesians in 500 B.C. Considered part of the Great Migration from South East Asia that began in 4,000 B.C. Daring Seafaring tribes used nothing but the sun, stars, winds, and tides to guide their Canoes across the open ocean. From here voyages would continue north to the Hawaiian Islands, and east to the Easter Islands.

The Polynesian people would then build their culture and explore the remaining islands until one day in 1520 strange ships appeared on the horizon. These ships would bring in Ferdinand Magellan, a famous explorer, but he never landed on Tahiti. The island of Tahiti wouldn’t be discovered by Europeans until 1767. The explorer named Captain Samuel Wallis quickly then claimed the island under the name of King George III, because the British loved to claim things that belonged to other people. But soon after his arrival a French explorer landed on the other side of the island and claimed the island for France in 1768 because the French also liked to claim things that belonged to other people.

European interest in the islands quickly expanded in 1769 after James Cook brought the first map of the islands back to Europe, along with drawings of the exotic flora and fauna. Soon every European country wanted their piece of paradise, but the main rivalry was between France and Britain after the arrival of their missionaries.

Despite the rivalry between European powers the Royal family of Tahiti, The Pomare Family, was able to retain control of the islands until December 29, 1880. Then in 1957, Tahiti was reconstituted into an official French Territory and given the name French Polynesia. In 1977 the French Government would then grant autonomy to the islands, and on February 12, 2004, they became an overseas country of the French Republic.

In Conclusion

I know this is a quick history, but I hope you enjoyed the brief overview. There is still much of this history and culture to explore. So go to Tahiti and learn all you can about their history. I hope you enjoyed today’s newsletter, if you like this content please subscribe, and check out our Facebook page for additional content. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078273135441