 In 1498, Christopher Columbus discovered Margarita Island. The local natives named Guaiqueries received the conquering Spaniards with open arms unaware that they later would become slaves of their own wealth. Pearls would represent almost a third of all New World tribute to the Spanish Crown. Margarita Island had to be fortified against the increasing threat of pirate attacks. On the Island of Margarita you find the castles which are maintained up to South American standards, the lack of money or the unwillingness to spend it on historic buildings contributes to their current appearance.
In 1814, its people's brave fight for independence and Isla Margarita became the first free territory in Venezuela. It was on Margarita Island that Simon Bolivar, later called the Libertador, was confirmed as Commander in Chief of the new republic, la gran Colombia. From there he started to free Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia from the Spanish Crown.
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