Aruba’s heritage dates back from the Indians of the pre-Colombian period that inhabited Aruba when the Spaniard Alonso de Ojeda discovered Aruba in August 1499.
They found the Caiquetio Indians of the Arawak tribe on the island. The Spaniards were impressed by the size of the Indians and logged that “they came to the island of Giants.”
When they couldn’t find any precious metal on the island, they declared the island as “isla inutil”, meaning useless island.

The year 1527 marked the beginning of the Spanish colonization and Christianity. This is the reason that the majority of the population is Roman Catholic.
1636-1951 Aruba was subordinate to Curaçao under various governments (Dutch West Indies Company, The English, The Dutch Crown)

During 1725 a search for gold was done by Paulus Printz, but without success.
In 1750 the Chapel of Alto Vista was built, where up to the present mass is celebrated every Tuesday and on special occasions, like Good Friday.

Around 1790 the white colonization starts. The little town called Playa in the past and still so referred to by locals today, needed a proper name, according to the Commander of Aruba. During a visit of the Governor of Curaçao in 1824, it was suggested during a meeting to name the capital after the Royal House of Orange. Oranjestad, the town was formed during 1790.

1796: The Fort Zoutman was built in Oranjestad; this is the oldest building in Oranjestad. The Fort was restored (1974-1983) and is today a historical museum.
It was until 1824 that Willem Rasmijn, a boy of 12 years of age, in the dry creek of Rooi Fluit in upper Santa Cruz, discovered gold.

In 1837 the breeding of cochineal insect for coloring purposes was started.
Aruba was known for the aloe vera cultivation in 1840 and the phosphate mining (1859).
Minor cultivation took place: silkworms, cotton, peanuts, and tobacco. Maize and beans were cultivated for personal consumption.

In 1916 mining ceased to be profitable.
In the 19th century Aruba exported a great deal of Watapana (divi divi) pods, because it was an excellent source of tannin.
1924: LAGO Oil & Transport Company brings the oil industry to the island. Aruba got Electric light.
In 1929, the LAGO (Standard Oil Company of New Jersey) started operation and all other mining ceased. Two refineries were built and operated until the early 50’s when one closed. The oil era brought prosperity to the island. Nassaustraat was the first street to be paved; now it is called Caya G.F. Croes (the main street). Exxon closed in 1985 and the refinery reopened in 1991, under the Coastal Oil Company. In 2004 the refinerary was taken over from El Paso by Valero Energy Corp.
On February 16, 1942 the Germans shot off the first torpedo on Aruba, which set two tankers in front of the coast, on fire.

1943 Hotel Strand was inaugurated, which now is called the Caribbean Town Resort.
In 1951, the Insular Territory of Aruba was formed on an autonomous basis within the Netherlands Antilles.
During 1954 The Tivoli Club suggested the formation of various committees, to make Carnival a yearly event and for the first time it was a large festivity in Oranjestad. This year also marked the end of the colonial status and December 15 became the national holiday of the Netherlands Antilles (Statute Day).
On November 15, 1955 Aruba designed and got its own Coat of Arms.
1957: Aruba welcomed the first all passenger cruise ship, “Tradewind”. Before the Tradewind, there were calls of ships carrying passengers and cargo at the same time.

In 1959, the first luxurious resort opened, namely the Aruba Caribbean Hotel, which is now renovated and called the Radisson Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino.
1963 marked the opening of the Industrial harbour at Barcadera.
Aruba has its own National Anthem "Aruba Dushi Tera" and Coat-of-Arms, however, it was until March 18, 1976 that Aruba celebrated its first Flag Day. Since then Aruba celebrates annually the National Anthem and Flag Day on March 18.

Aruba is rich in history and culture and enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean.
The sophisticated well-educated multi-lingual people live harmoniously together. The native language is Papiamento, the official language is Dutch; Spanish and English are widely spoken and understood.
Source: "THIS IS ARUBA", Dr. J. Hartog, Mr. J. Koolman - Biblioteca Nacional di Aruba, R. Wever (CTA), and K. Rojer - Aruba Cruise Tourism.