Islands of Oceania: Pitcairn Island

Pitcairn Island

Geography

Pitcairn is a small island (3.2 km long and 1.6 km wide) and it is of volcanic origin. The island is part of British Overseas Territory along with three other islands (Henderson, Oeno and Ducie).

Other names: Pitkern Ailen

Location: 25° 4′ 12″ S, 130° 6′ 25″ W; 2,170 kilometres from Tahiti, 5,310 kilometres from Auckland (New Zealand) and 6,600 kilometres from Panama.

Climate: Tropical, hot and humid. Tropical cyclones may occur, especially from November to May.

Area: 4.6 km²

Highest point: Pawala Valley Ridge (347 m)

Population: about 50 people (2018 estimate)

Capital: Adamstown

Map of Pitcairn Islands

Map of Pitcairn Island

Pitcairn Island

History

Between the 11^th and 15^th centuries – The Island was inhabited by Polynesians.

3 July 1767 – Pitcairn was discovered by Europeans. It was sighted by the crew of the HMS Swallow, commanded by Captain Philip Carteret. The island was named after Midshipman Robert Pitcairn, who saw the island first.

January 1790 – The mutineers from HMS Bounty along with six Polynesian men, twelve women, and a baby girl decided to stay on the island. Most mutineers were killed due to conflicts between them and Polynesian men.

6 February 1808 - Pitcairn is re-discovered by American ship Topaz. John Adams is the last mutineer from HMS Bounty who is still alive.

1831 – People from the island moved to Tahiti. After 12 people of Pitcairn died there, they decided to come back to Pitcairn.

30 November 1838 – The Island became a British colony.

1856 – Due to the island’s overpopulation, all 193 Pitcairners immigrated to Norfolk Island.

1859 - 16 of the Pitcairners returned to their home island.

1864 – Four more families returned to Pitcairn Island.

1886 - Most of the Pitcairn people embraced the Seventh-day Adventist faith.

1914 – After opening the Panama Canal, Pitcairn Island became a stopping point for the ships going from Panama to New Zealand.