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MADEIRA LOCAL GUIDE

Madeira History

From the 1419 discovery by Portuguese sailors to the sugar and wine trade that shaped Europe.

Timeline

1419 — Discovery

Portuguese captains Joao Goncalves Zarco and Tristao Vaz Teixeira, in service of Prince Henry the Navigator, were driven by a storm to Porto Santo. Next year they reached Madeira.

1420s — Settlement

Funchal became the capital. Sugar cane was introduced. Madeira became a major sugar producer.

15th-16th century — Sugar trade

Madeira was the largest sugar producer in the world in the 15th century, until Brazil took over.

17th-18th century — Wine

Madeira wine became famous in Europe and America. The fortified wine was a favourite of the Founding Fathers.

1801-1814 — Napoleon

British troops occupied Madeira during the Napoleonic Wars.

1976 — Autonomy

Madeira became an Autonomous Region of Portugal with its own government.

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Quick answers

When was Madeira discovered?

In 1419 by Portuguese captains João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, in service of Prince Henry the Navigator. They reached Porto Santo first, then Madeira a year later.

What was Madeira's first major industry?

Sugar cane. By the 15th century Madeira was the largest sugar producer in the world, until Brazil took over.

Why is Madeira wine famous?

In the 17th–18th centuries the fortified wine became famous across Europe and America — it was a favourite of the Founding Fathers.

When did Madeira become autonomous?

In 1976 it became an Autonomous Region of Portugal with its own government. British troops had occupied the island during the Napoleonic Wars (1801–1814).

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