Wallis and Futuna Guide

1000 BC

Polynesian voyagers colonize these islands

1400

Tongan warriors conquer Wallis Island

1616

Dutch explorers contact Futuna and Alofi

1767

Captain Samuel Wallis contacts Wallis

1825

American whalers use Wallis as a base

1837

Catholic missionaries arrive on Wallis and Futuna

1841

martyrdom of Saint Pierre Chanel on Futuna

1887

Wallis and Futuna declared a French protectorate

1924

The protectorate is upgraded to colonial status

1935

Vicariate Apostolic Wallis and Futuna established

1942

American military base established on Wallis

1954

Pierre Chanel is canonized (declared a saint)

1959

Residents vote to become an overseas territory

1961

Wallis and Futuna becomes an overseas territory

1977

The first bank opens on Wallis Island

1984

Aircalin begins flying to Wallis Island

2007

Wallis and Futuna comes an overseas community