Anguilla’s history was written by various groups of explorers and settlers. The first of which was the Amerindians who brought culture and art to this secret island. The Amerindians discovered the lush island of Anguilla 4,000 years ago when they sailed from South America’s main land. Upon arriving, the Amerindians gave the island the name of Malliouhana, naming the island after its snake-like shape. During this time the Amerindians developed villages, farms, and ceremonial sites to their Gods.

Three thousand years later, in the year 1650, English settlers sailed to Anguilla. Upon landing, the settlers found the deserted island’s soil to be perfect for growing corn and tobacco. As a result, English plantations soon developed.

By the 1800’s Anguilla’s soil was thin and the rainfall was unreliable making conditions for a plantation economy impossible. By 1834 the population of Anguilla equaled a mere 1,956 persons due to the island’s difficult conditions.

In 1958 Anguilla became part of the Federation of the West Indies. The Federation collapsed four years later, resulting in the development of an associated statehood, which included the islands of Anguilla, St. Kitts, and Nevis. However, the citizens of Anguilla were not satisfied and wanted independence from this newly formed statehood.

On May 30, 1967, the citizens of Anguilla received their wish for independence when they forced the Royal St. Kitts police to flee the island. Despite the repulsion, debates over Anguilla’s succession for another decade until December 19, 1980, when the island became a separate Dependent Territory.