The Discovery of the Azores
Since the 14th century the existence of the Azores has been marked on sea charts. An unknown archipelago, nine islands lost in the immensity of the North Atlantic, abundant in vegetation, shrouded in mystery and mist.
Gaspar Frutuoso, Azorean naturalist and chronicler of the 16th century, referred in his books “Saudades da Terra”, that the Azores had been discovered by Gonçalo Velho Cabral strong>, having arrived on the island of Santa Maria in 1432.
However, over the centuries, questions about who discovered the Azores or when they were discovered were resolved, reaching the conclusion that the discovery of the first Azorean islands would have occurred around 1427, under the command of Diogo de Silves.
And the first to be found were those of the Eastern group, Santa Maria and São Miguel (1427), followed by Terceira Island and the rest of the Central group, between 1449 and 1451.
And the first to be found were those of the Eastern group, Santa Maria and São Miguel (1427), followed by Terceira Island and the rest of the Central group, between 1449 and 1451.
In the oldest royal document referring to the Azores, which dates from July 2, 1439, permission is given to Infante D. Henrique to order populate and release sheep on the seven islands of the Azores. Azores.
Colonization of the Azores
The year 1440 is seen as the beginning of the settlement of the Azores.
The colonization occurred throughout the 15th and 16th centuries brought to the archipelago numerous settlers from different parts of Portugal (Algarve, Alentejo, Extremadura and Madeira archipelago), but not only.
Spaniards, French, Italians, Flemings, English, Jews, Moors and African slaves also arrived in the Azores.
And in those first years we had to work hard: clearing trees and vegetation, plowing the land, building houses, and enduring all the difficulties that Mother Nature could bring.
The cut wood was exported or used in shipbuilding and with the clearing of the land the first crops were grown, being the 15th century marked by large exports of cereals (wheat), starting the culture and industry of pastel, heather and sugar cane.
The 16th century is characterized by great social and economic development, with Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroísmo being elevated to cities.
During this century the cultivation of pastel and heather becomes more important, European vines, later replaced by American vines, multiply, and yams and sweet potatoes are introduced.
In the 17th century it is the cultivation of linen and orange trees that gain strength and corn is introduced. Still in this century, there are several volcanic earthquakes that lead to a wave of emigration to Brazil.
In the 18th century, in turn, the first exports of oranges to the United Kingdom were recorded, tree planting intensified, and potatoes were introduced.
In the 19th century, the orange culture and commerce reaches its peak and new bovine species arrive in the Region. Whale hunting becomes common and the cultivation of tea, espadana, tobacco and pineapple are introduced to the island of São Miguel.
In 1893, the Azores are connected to the worldwide submarine cable network.
The first half of the 20th century was characterized above all by the beginning of sugar beet manufacturing and a great development in the dairy and fishing industries. A new wave of emigration occurred, mainly to the United States of America and Canada.
The first half of the 20th century was characterized above all by the beginning of sugar beet manufacturing and a great development in the dairy and fishing industries. A new wave of emigration occurred, mainly to the United States of America and Canada.
Important Dates
But the Azoreans' character was not only made of land and sea.
Over the centuries, several political-administrative events have shaped the insular people and contributed to what the Azores and Portugal are today.
- The Castilian occupation (1583-1641)
- From Restoration to Captaincy General (1642-1766)
- The Captaincy General (1766-1820)
- The advent of liberalism (1820-1828)
- The Civil War and the Angra Regency (1828-1832)
- The constitutional monarchy (1832-1891)
- The Autonomist Campaign (1892-1895)
- Administrative autonomy (1895-1928)
- The consolidation of the New State (1928-1943)
- World War II and the British Landing (1943-1946)
- The 25th of April and the autonomous option (1974-1976)
- Constitutional autonomy (1976 to present)
From the idea that these islands were reminiscent of the legend of Atlantis, to the uncertainties and theories regarding their discovery and settlement, the Azores, scattered along a strip about 600 km long, were positioned from the beginning as a strategic point between Europe and America, between the old and the new world.
A history of almost 600 years and a people born out of the sea, lava and ash, mountains and forests, but above all, out of the unique ability to never give up - their resilience.