Anguilla History

The history of Anguilla began with the arrival of Amerindian tribes, who came from South America. They established small farms and villages. Anguilla was colonized by English settlers, who arrived in 1650. The French temporarily overtook the island, and then it was returned to Britain according to the Treaty of Breda. In 1958 together with St. Kitts and Nevis Anguilla became a part of the Federation of the West Indies. Later, these islands made an associated statehood. Soon Anguilla desired its independence from the state. Anguilla Day was celebrated on May 30, 1967, but only on December 19, 1980 Anguilla became a separate Dependent Territory with some measure of autonomy in government.