Pitcairn
The History
Discovery of Pitcairn Island
Captain Philip Carteret first spotted Pitcairn Island in 1767 but couldn’t land due to rough seas. He miscalculated its location, marking it miles away from its true position. Years later, Captain Cook showed some interest, but it wasn’t until the Bounty mutineers arrived in 1790 that the island gained attention.
When the Bounty crew landed, they found evidence of a past Polynesian civilization: stone gods, carvings, and tools. Many of these relics were destroyed or taken, but some carvings and artefacts remain visible today.
In 1787, the Bounty set sail to collect breadfruit trees for the West Indies. After a long stay in Tahiti, tensions led to a mutiny led by Fletcher Christian in 1789. Captain William Bligh and his loyal crew were set adrift, while Christian and others sought refuge, eventually reaching Pitcairn.
Settlement on Pitcairn
Christian and his group, along with Polynesian men and women, landed at Pitcairn in January 1790. They built shelters and cultivated the land. Tensions soon arose between the European mutineers and the Polynesian men, who were treated poorly and denied land.
Over time, tensions turned violent. Several mutineers were killed by the Polynesian men, and later, the remaining mutineers retaliated. By 1793, only a few Europeans and Polynesians remained.
After years of turmoil, peace returned. However, one of the last surviving mutineers, McCoy, began distilling alcohol, leading to further conflict. By 1800, John Adams was the last surviving male from the original group.
Rediscovery of Pitcairn
In 1808, an American whaling ship rediscovered Pitcairn, but due to the Napoleonic Wars, little attention was paid. It wasn’t until 1814 that British ships found the island again, but instead of punishing John Adams, they admired the peaceful community and left them in peace.
After 25 years, Pitcairn was no longer isolated. Ships passing between India, Australia, South America, and England began visiting. Sailors' reports sparked worldwide interest, and missionary societies sent Bibles, books, and practical supplies like tools and guns. As contact increased, European influence grew, with new houses, clothing, and crops, including oranges.
​
As John Adams aged, caring for his blind wife and educating the growing number of children became difficult. He asked the British government and missionaries for help but received none. In 1823, a British whaler brought John Buffett, a shipwright, who chose to stay and teach. His friend, John Evans, also settled on the island, and both men expanded the community by marrying islanders.​
Photo thanks to Tony Probst
​
Population Growth and New Leadership
The population had grown to 66 by the late 1820s. Adams, worried about limited resources, suggested moving to Australia. In 1828, George Hunn Nobbs arrived and took over as schoolteacher and pastor. When Adams died in 1829 at 65, he was remembered as the community’s "Father," having led them through hardship to stability.
In 1831, the British decided to move the Pitcairn Islanders to Tahiti. Despite their reluctance, the entire community left on 6 March. Upon arrival, they were treated kindly by Queen Pomare IV but struggled to adapt to Tahitian life. Diseases killed many, including Thursday October Christian I. By June, they returned to Pitcairn with the help of an American captain.
After returning, the community became leaderless and disorganized. In 1832, Joshua Hill arrived, claiming to represent the British Government. He imposed strict rules, banning alcohol and punishing even minor offenses. He expelled Buffett and Evans but lost power by 1838 after it was revealed he had no government authority. Nobbs returned as leader, and a new constitution was established, giving women the right to vote and mandating schooling.
The next decade was mostly peaceful, despite occasional storms and flu outbreaks. The population grew to 156 by 1850, and the islanders became skilled gardeners and craftsmen, trading their produce and goods with passing ships. However, by the mid-1850s, concerns about land shortages led to a second relocation, this time to Norfolk Island.
​​
Return to Pitcairn
Although Norfolk Island offered better conditions, some islanders felt homesick and returned to Pitcairn in 1858. They found their homes damaged, but quickly restored their way of life. Over time, wood carving and selling curios became their primary source of income as fewer ships visited. Whaling had declined, and visits from foreign ships provided much-needed supplies.
In the late 19th century, the island's governance system changed multiple times. In 1892, the community adopted a new parliament system, but lawlessness and division persisted. James Russell McCoy, a strong leader, restored order. In 1904, the British Consul at Tahiti simplified the governance system, reintroducing the Chief Magistrate role and adding a small tax on firearms, which was the only tax until 1968.
​​
Pitcairn in the 20th Century
The opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 put Pitcairn on a key shipping route. Ships brought tourists and trade, ending the island’s isolation. Over time, some islanders left for New Zealand and Australia, but the issuance of postage stamps in 1940 provided the island with the funds to develop public amenities.
Photo thanks to Tony Probst
​
Photo thanks to Tony Probst
​
Pitcairn Today
Economy
Due to its small population and remote location, Pitcairn's economic opportunities are limited. Over time, the island accumulated reserves through the sale of stamps, coins, and later, internet domain names. However, declining revenues from these activities led Pitcairn to seek alternative income streams. Since 2004, the island has increasingly relied on budgetary assistance from the UK, while also working to diversify its economy by encouraging private enterprise and boosting tourism. Tourism has emerged as Pitcairn's most significant private revenue source, generating income through the sale of souvenirs, honey, and other artisan products, as well as homestay services for visitors.
​
Government
Pitcairn's government is the primary employer on the island, with most working-age residents employed through the Pitcairn Public Service. Government positions often pay NZ$10.00 per hour, and many employees hold multiple jobs to meet living expenses. In addition to income from government roles, residents benefit from pensions, child benefits, and sickness or disability support.
​​
Pitcairn's government is also involved in securing and utilizing European Union funds for infrastructure projects, such as constructing a harbor and improving roads, which aim to bolster the island's tourism sector and overall sustainability.
​​
Production
Production on Pitcairn is centered around locally-made products that cater to both tourists and international markets. The island is known for its prize-winning honey, which is free of disease and highly sought after for its unique flavor.
Other products include hand-crafted jewelry, wooden carvings, soaps, cosmetics, and recently, Pitcairn-grown coffee. These items are produced by cottage industries, many of which are family-run. Honey, in particular, is produced through the Pitcairn Producers' Cooperative (PIPCO) and marketed both locally and internationally.
The island's tropical climate and flora contribute to the distinct taste of its honey,
setting it apart globally.​
Exports
Pitcairn’s exports consist primarily of high-quality honey, handcrafts, and other artisanal products. The island's honey is renowned for its purity and unique flavor, derived from local flora. Pitcairn also exports jewelry, carvings, coffee, and traditional Polynesian goods like Tapa cloth. These products are sold internationally and provide additional income streams for the island's residents. The honey industry, in particular, holds promise for further growth, with ongoing research into the medicinal properties of Pitcairn's honey and propolis potentially unlocking new economic opportunities.