Early Discovery

Legend says that the Incas first discovered the Galapagos Islands in the 15th century, but since they did not have a written language, and no ruins have been discovered, the legend cannot be substantiated. It wasn't until during the 16th century when the Spanish had created a lucrative shipping route along the pacific coast of Ecuador. Inca gold was being shipped up the coast to Panama where it was unloaded on to mules for the journey across the isthmus. Upon reaching the Atlantic coast, the treasures were again put on to a ship and sent to Spain.

Buccaneers & Pirates

"Near two centuries ago Barrington Isle was the resort of that famous wing of West Indian Buccaneers, which, upon their repulse from Cuban waters, crossing the isthmus of Darien, ravaged the Pacific side of the Spanish Colonies, and, waylaid the royal treasure ships plying between Manila and Acapulco." Herman Melville The Encantadas

In 1492 Christopher Columbus set sail on an expedition sponsored by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. The contract reached before the voyage assured Columbus he would become viceroy over all territories he located for Spain and a percentage of all the metals found there. His journey was to find a shortcut to the Far East, but instead Columbus discovered the New World.

He returned home in March 1493 bringing much excitement to Europe. Not only was the world round, but there was also New World full of treasures waiting to be exploited. The King and Queen kept their agreement and granted Columbus rights according to the contract.

On May 4, 1493 Pope Alexander IV (of Spain) made a decision as to all the New Lands being discovered. Not only had Columbus been busy sailing and discovering new lands, but the Portuguese had just opened a route to Asia via South Africa, and trade with Ethiopia. According to the Line of Demarcation all newly discovered lands 100 leagues west of the Azores and Cape Verde Islands (approximately 300 miles or 483 Km) belonged to Spain and all territory to the east was Portugal's. Portugal unhappy with the arrangement, reached a treaty with Spain the following year allowing them all lands within 370 leagues of Cape Verde Islands (1110 miles or 1710 Km). Thus most of America became Spain's and Brazil and Africa became Portuguese.

The tales of riches spread throughout Europe, and the Pope Alexander's decision was unpopular with other countries like England, France and the Netherlands. These other countries too wanted their share of gold, silver and spices. In order to get them they would send out Buccaneers to obtain the wealth using any means necessary.

During the 1500 and 1600's the west coast of South America became prize Pirate territory. As Spain was busy collecting the wealth of the Incas and shipping it home to Spain, the Buccaneers or Pirates (depending on whose side you were on) would attack the Spanish treasure ships and gather riches for their own country.

The journey between Panama and Peru became a frequent route. In 1535, Tomás de Berlanga, the Bishop of Panama was in route to Peru. His ship, drifting without wind, went off course by the currents. It was quite by accident that he "discovered" the Galapagos Islands. In a letter to the King of Spain the bishop described the islands by saying:

"I do not think there is a place where one might sow a bushel of corn because most of it is full of very big stones and the earth is much like dross, worthless, because it has not the power of raising a little grass."

The bishop and the crew, like many early visitors, arrived in the islands thirsty and were less then impressed by the lack of water. He didn't even bother to give the islands a name. It wasn't until 1574 when the name "Islands of Galapagos" (Island of Tortoises) first appeared on a map and has remained ever since.

The Galapagos Islands became a favorite hideout for these Pirates; they would retreat to the islands, with their good anchorages, far away from Spanish shipping lanes and stock up on fresh water and meat (tortoises). The islands of Floreana, Santa Cruz and Santiago became favorite spots. James Bay on Santiago still bares the name Buccaneer's Cove after these men. Other evidence of the pirate days are the feral goats living in the islands, descendants of goats left by these men.

William Ambrose Crowley one of the buccaneers drew the first navigation chart of the Galapagos Islands. A proud Englishman he named several of the islands after British Royalty and military.