Falklands history: 1770 - 1820

1770

Powerful Spanish expedition from Buenos Aires compelled surrender of British at Port Egmont. Spain and Britain prepared for war, but this was averted by Spain's disavowal of Buenos Aires expedition.

1771

Port Egmont restored by Spain to Britain.

1774

British garrison withdrawn from Port Egmont for reasons of economy. Lead plaque left behind declaring Falkland Islands to be sole property of George III, King of Great Britain.

1811

Spanish Governor of Montevideo withdrew garrison from Puerto de la Soledad.

1811 - 1820

The Islands are left uninhabited except for North American and British sealers who used them as headquaters for sealing activities in the South Atlantic.

1820

Captain Daniel Jewitt, Colonel of Buenos Aires Marine, ran up the flag of the United Provinces at Port Soledad.