Pieces of Eight

Margarita

Columbus discovered the island in 1498, but it remained inhabited solely by the native Indians until many years later, when two explorers discovered pearl beds in the region.

In 1525, the Spanish Crown sold the island to Licenciado (lawyer) Marcelo Villalobos. Marcelo died on the journey from Spain, but his wife, Dona Isabel Manrique, became the island’s first governor. When the last of the family line died out around 1600, the Crown reclaimed the island.

The rich pearl beds were attractive to pirates, who raided the island on a regular basis for over a century. In order to protect their livelihood, and their lives, the islanders used the proceeds of the pearl trade to fund a series of small forts around the coast.

Margarita has only a single sloop to defend her waters, but the fleet from Cumana makes regular visits, both to check on the safety of the settlers and bring supplies.