Falkland Islands History

A Falkland Islands history is described on the map. The first definite sighting of the Falkland Islands was in 1592 but the Falkland Islands werenot landed upon untill 1690 by HMS Welfare at Bold Cove near port Howard, they were driven there in a storm.

The Lexington Incident

In 1831 Louis Vernet who was appointed Govenor of the Falklands by Buenos Aires seized three united states Sealers which had been Sealing in the islands despite his proclaimed restrictions on such activities.

The American government did not acknowledge Vernets right to do this so the US corvette Lexington landed an armed party and sacked Vernets small colony at Port Louis (Puerto de Soledad) and then declaired the islands free of all government. Another Govenor was sent from Buenos Aires in 1832 but was subsequently murdered by the remenants of Vernets garrison.

The Anarchy was temporarily ended by the appearance of HMS Clio, the storekeeper William Dickenson was left in charge after HMS Clio's departure and was later joined by Mathew Brisbane one of Vernets associates. They made effort to bring law to the islands but were eventually murdered by a group of gauchos. On receiving this news the HMS Challenger sailed to the Falklands, arriving on 9th January 1834. Lieutenant Henry Smith began a period that for one short interruption lasts until the present day.

The Falklands War

On the 2nd of April 1982 Argentine Forces invaded the Falklands, taking control of Port Stanley after a short battle with the small detachment of Royal Marines. The Soldiers and Governor Rex Hunt were then deported. The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on 3 April requiring Argentina to cease hostilities and withdraw her forces, but this was refused and Argentinia sent more than 10,000 troups to the islands. This aggression forced Britain to act under article 51 of the UN Charter to restore the government of the Falkland Islands and dependencies. When the UN Peace initiative was foundered a British Task force was landed eventually resulting in the Argentinian's Surrender at Stanley and Britain declaired an end to hostilities on the 20 th June.

The Post-Conflict Falkands

Since the Falklands conflict considerable changes have been made to the Falkland Islands infrastructure including the introduction of a conservation and management zone which extends for 200 nautical miles in all directions and any vessel wanting to fish inside this zone has to apply for a license. The revenue from sale of the licenses goes towards improving health care, social services, education and road building as well as conservation projects on the Islands.

People and Culture

Most Falkland Islanders are of British decent, hailing from Sheep Farming and Seamen ancestories. The total population of the Falkland Islands is estimated to be 2,500, of which 2,000 live in Stanley. The Islands enjoy a lively social scene, with a number of popular events. Perhaps best known are the Christmas Races. With the Islanders having a number of talents among them, paintings and hand knitted clothing are available from shops in Stanley.