Timeline of the History of Cartagena de las Indias
- 1501 - Bay of Cartagena is “discovered” by Rodrigo de Bastidas.
- 1533 - City of Cartagena is founded by Pedro de Heredia
- 1544 - Cartagena is attacked, sacked and burned by the French, led by the Corsair Robert Ball
- 1559 - The French priate Martin Cote attacks Cartagena, but is defeated
- 1568 - John Hawkins sets fire to Cartagena
- 1586 - Francis Drake attacks Cartagena, sacks and partially destroys Cartagena
- 1600 - Cartagena becomes the most frequented and important port in the New World
- 1610 - Holy Office of the Inquisition is established in Cartagena
- 1650 - Inauguration of great hydraulic project of Canal Del Dique (114 kilometers long) that links Cartagena with Magdalena River
- 1654 - Conclusion of construction of San Felipe Fortress
- 1697 - Cartagena is attacked and pillaged by the French, commanded by Baron de Pointis
- 1741 - Battle of Cartagena. The English, under Admiral Si Edward Vernon, are defeated at the San Felipe Fortress
- 1776 - Height of Spanish colonial rule. Cartagena becomes residence of several Viceorys.
- 1811 - Cartagena declares absolute independence from Spain
- 1812 - War between cities of Cartagena (revolutionaries) and Santa Mart (loyalists). Simon Bolivar appears for first time in Cartagena.
- 1815 - Bolivar blockades Cartagena, then relents, resigns and departs
- 1815 - Spanish General Pablo Morillo lays siege to Cartagena with huge fleet, reconquers it in three months when inhabitants surrender from hunger