Principality of Trinidad

The Principality of Trinidad was a short-lived unrecognized state declared in 1893[1] when the American James Harden-Hickey claimed the uninhabited Trindade Island in the South Atlantic. He declared himself James I, Prince of Trinidad,[2][3] and intended for the islands to become a military dictatorship under his leadership.[2] Britain and Brazil later argued over the territory, and it is now a part of the state of Espírito Santo in southeastern Brazil.[4][5][6][7][8][9][10]

Principality of Trinidad Principauté de Trinidad (in French) Principado de Trinidad (in Portuguese)
1893–1895
Flag Coat of arms
Map of Trinidad from the book, The Cruise of the Alerte
Status	Unrecognized state
Common languages	English, French, Portuguese
Government	Self-proclaimed monarchy
Prince
• 1893-1895	James Harden-Hickey
History
• Established	1893
• Disestablished	1895
Preceded by Succeeded by First Brazilian Republic United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland First Brazilian Republic

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.

Stamp of the Principality of Trinidad, 5f, 1893

He designed postage stamps, a national flag and coat of arms, and established a chivalric order, the Cross of Trinidad. He bought a schooner to transport colonists, appointed M. Le Comte De la Boissiere as Secretary of State, and opened a consular office at 217 West 36th Street in New York City. He issued government bonds to finance the construction of infrastructure on the island.

In July 1895, the British tried to take possession of the island, basing their claim on the 1700 visit by English astronomer Edmund Halley.[2] The British planned to use the island as a telegraph cable station.[2] However, Brazilian diplomatic efforts, along with Portuguese support, 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 January 24, 1897.

Today

Today, Brazil marks its presence with a permanent Brazilian Navy base on the main island.

References

1. "To Be Prince of Trinidad: He Is Baron Harden-Hickey," New York Tribune, Nov 5, 1893, p 1
2. Bryk, William, News & Columns Archived 2006-04-30 at the Wayback Machine, New York Press, v 15 no 50 (Dec 10, 2002)
3. "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
4. "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
5. "Trinidad's Prince Awake: An Appeal to Washington Against Brazil and Great Britain," New York Times, Aug 1, 1895, p 1
6. "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
7. "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
8. "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
9. "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
10. Flags of the World - Trindade and Martins Vaz Islands (Brazil)