New ports of the New World: Angra, Funchal, Port Royal and Bridgetown

Abstract

This article presents a comparative analysis of the port systems of the Portuguese and British Empires in the Atlantic during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It is based on the study of four insular ports under the sovereignty of these two imperial polities: Angra in the Azores, Funchal in Madeira, Bridgetown in Barbados, and Port Royal in Jamaica. The aim of the analysis is to compare the main factors that led to the choice of these sites as key places in the structure of the respective Portuguese and British imperial models, how they developed to satisfy trade needs and their most significant problems, as well as the extent to which the development of these colonies conformed to what was 'expected' of each imperial project, taking into account the geographical, economic and social factors of the respective port cities. The methodological approach to the study of these Atlantic insular ports brings together data from landscape archaeology, nautical and underwater archaeology, together with historical documentation and cartography.

Diversity and patterns of marine non‐native species in the archipelagos of Macaronesia

“…Along with many other NNS, each highlights the historical importance of marine traffic to Macaronesia's oceanic islands, often playing a role in the initial introduction and spread across islands. During the Age of Discovery, both Portuguese and Spanish empires have used several Atlantic islands and archipelagos as strategic locations (Garcia, 2017). The Macaronesian archipelagos and other Atlantic islands provided 'port of call' facilities (Garcia, 2017).…”

“…During the Age of Discovery, both Portuguese and Spanish empires have used several Atlantic islands and archipelagos as strategic locations (Garcia, 2017). The Macaronesian archipelagos and other Atlantic islands provided 'port of call' facilities (Garcia, 2017). The triangular commercial sailing route in the late 1800s between Europe, West Africa and the Caribbean (Crosby, 1986) and the British steamer routes and coaling stations (Mack, 2003) could have enhanced the connectivity amongst areas never joined before.…”

The Whale in the Cape Verde Islands: Seascapes as a Cultural Construction from the Viewpoint of History, Literature, Local Art and Heritage

“…Places names like "Porto", "Baía" or "Angra" (respectively, the Portuguese words for harbour and bay) evidence the long time usage of sandy or pebble beaches where traditional small boats are, still nowadays, laying, in front of the urban areas usually parallel to the sea. Communities that live by the sea use these sheltered bays for their fishing activities, as has been the case for the development of portuary activities since the island was first settled (Garcia 2017). During a walk by the seashore in Porto Rincão (Island of Santiago), one can find the inscription "Anca Baleia" in a street wall, referring to a rock formation resembling the back of a whale (Figure 5).…”

Two Azores shipwrecks and insect biological invasions during the Age of Discovery

“…On these maritime routes, the islands which acted as obligatory revictualling stops during the long journey between the West Indies, Africa, Europe and the Americas (Garcia 2017a) played an important role as hubs, also for invasive species. Imported taxa could become established on these, as a result of frequent introductions and spread from these hop-off/hop-on points to new destinations.…”