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Tobago

FIRST STAMPS Britain 1858-60 (oblit. A14 at Scarborough).
FIRST STAMPS ISSUED 1 August 1879.

CURRENCY
1879, sterling.

Discovered by Columbus in 1498, it was settled by the Dutch in 1642. Taken by the British in 1672 but regained by Holland two years later. In 1748 it was declared a neutral island, but in 1763 was ceded to the British. Tobago was taken by the French in 1781 and confirmed to them in 1783. It was taken again by the British in 1793 but was restored to France at the Peace of Amiens in 1802. Taken once more by the British in 1803 and finally confirmed as British in 1814.

One of the Windward Islands from 1833. P0 was opened in 1805, but a branch of the GPO in London was established at Scarborough, the capital, in 1841.

Control of the postal system reverted to the colony in 1860 and a handstamp, crowned circle 'Paid at Tobago', was used until stamps were reissued.

A coastal steamer, used as a TPO, called round the island's coast taking mail to Port of Spain. On 4 January 1892 an inland postal service began with a PO at Roxborough and, in 1896, at Pembroke and Moriah.

In 1887 Tobago was joined with Trinidad and used the stamps of Trinidad after 1896. Stamps inscribed Trinidad and Tobago were introduced in 1913 when the two islands were combined postally.