Principality of Trinidad
Principality of Trinidad Principauté de Trinidad (in French) Principado de Trinidad (in Portuguese) | |||||||||||
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1893–1895 | |||||||||||
Unrecognized state | |||||||||||
Common languages | English, French, Portuguese | ||||||||||
Government | Self-proclaimed monarchy | ||||||||||
Prince | |||||||||||
• 1893–1895 | James I | ||||||||||
History | |||||||||||
• Established | 1893 | ||||||||||
• Disestablished | 1895 | ||||||||||
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The Principality of Trinidad was a short-lived unrecognized state declared in 1893
Name
The original name of the island, Trindade, is Portuguese for "trinity"; Trinidad is the Spanish cognate. It is unclear why Harden-Hickley chose to translate the name from Portuguese into Spanish, and not English. Earlier, nearby Ascension Island had been renamed from its original Portuguese name Ascensão when it passed into British hands.
History
While traveling to Tibet before his marriage, Harden-Hickey noticed the tiny island of Trindade in the South Atlantic Ocean, which had never been claimed by any country and was, legally, terra nullius. In 1893, wanting an independent state where he could serve as its ruler, he claimed the island and proclaimed himself James I, the Prince of Trinidad.
He designed postage stamps, a national flag and
In July 1895, the
However, Brazilian diplomatic efforts pressed a successful claim to Brazilian sovereignty, based on the island's discovery in 1502 by Portuguese navigators.To demonstrate sovereignty over the island, the state of Espírito Santo, which took the island, built a landmark on 24 January 1897.
Today
Today, Brazil marks its presence with a permanent Brazilian Navy base on the main island.
References
- ^ "To Be Prince of Trinidad: He Is Baron Harden-Hickey," New York Tribune, Nov 5, 1893, p 1
- ^ a b c d Bryk, William, News & Columns Archived 2006-04-30 at the Wayback Machine, New York Press, v 15 no 50 (Dec 10, 2002)
- ^ "Principality of Trinidad: John H. Flagler's Son-in-Law Is Its Sovereign, Self-Proclaimed as James I," New York Times, June 10, 1894, p 23
- ^ "Mr. Hickey's Trinidad Invaded: Great Britain's Warship Barracouta Takes Possession of the Land While the Prince Is in California," New York Times, Jun 18, 1895, p 3
- ^ "Trinidad's Prince Awake: An Appeal to Washington Against Brazil and Great Britain," New York Times, Aug 1, 1895, p 1
- ^ "Grand Chancellor of Trinidad: Significant Phases in the Ascent of Male Comte de la Boissiere to His Elevated Diplomatic Post," New York Times, Aug 2, 1895, p 9
- ^ "Trinidad's Case in Washington: Courteously, the Chancellor Would Permit Britain's Cable Station and Use It, but There Is Graver Trouble," New York Times, Aug 7, 1895, p 1
- ^ "Trinidad's Diplomat in Action: M. de la Boissiere Asks that His Sovereign's Land Be Recognized as a Neutral Principality," New York Times, Aug 9, 1895, p 5
- ^ "Trinidad's Prince at Work: Grand Chancellor de la Boissiere Tells How the War Between Great Britain and Brazil Will Be Averted," New York Times, Jan 24, 1896, p 9
- ^ Flags of the World - Trindade and Martins Vaz Islands (Brazil)