History of Guantánamo Bay in Timeline
Guantánamo Bay, located in southeastern Cuba's Guantánamo Province, is the island's largest harbor on its south side. Steep hills encircle the bay, effectively isolating it from the surrounding inland area. The bay's strategic location has made it significant throughout history, notably as a U.S. naval base since 1903. The base's presence has been a source of ongoing international debate and controversy, particularly concerning the detention of individuals suspected of terrorism following the September 11th attacks.
1901: Platt Amendment Incorporated into Cuban Constitution
In 1901, the Platt Amendment, which allowed the US to establish naval bases in Cuba, was incorporated into the Cuban Constitution.
February 23, 1903: Cuba Offers Perpetual Lease for Guantanamo Bay
On February 23, 1903, Cuban President Tomás Estrada Palma offered the United States a perpetual lease for the land surrounding Guantánamo Bay for use as a coaling and naval station. This followed the 1901 incorporation of the Platt Amendment into the Cuban Constitution.
1903: US Assumes Control of Guantanamo Bay
In 1903, the United States took control of the southern portion of Guantánamo Bay under a lease agreement with Cuba, establishing the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. The US exercises jurisdiction and control, while Cuba retains ultimate sovereignty.
1903: Legality of 1903 Lease Challenged
The legality of the 1903 Guantanamo Bay lease has been challenged, with arguments that it was imposed under duress and is no longer compatible with modern international law.
1934: New Cuban-American Treaty Reaffirms and Modifies Lease
A new treaty in 1934 reaffirmed the lease of Guantanamo Bay, granted Cuba and its trading partners free access through the bay, adjusted the lease payment, and made the lease permanent unless both governments agreed to end it or the U.S. abandoned the base.
1953: Start of Cuban Revolution
The Cuban Revolution began in 1953. This event ultimately led to significant tension over the status of the Guantanamo Bay naval base.
1959: Cuban Revolution Ends, US Insists on Unchanged Base Status
In 1959, the Cuban Revolution concluded, but US President Eisenhower insisted that the status of Guantanamo Bay remain unchanged, despite objections from Fidel Castro. This marked the beginning of Cuba's refusal to accept the lease payments.
August 1994: Rioting in Guantanamo Refugee Camps
In August 1994, riots broke out in the refugee camps at Guantanamo Bay, resulting in injuries to both US military police and Haitian refugees. This event highlighted the tensions and challenges associated with housing refugees at the base.
2002: Guantanamo Bay Becomes Detainment Camp
In 2002, Guantanamo Bay began being used as a detainment camp for individuals considered a risk to US national security.
2009: Obama Orders Closure of Guantanamo
In 2009, President Barack Obama ordered the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp.
January 22, 2010: Planned Closure Date of Guantanamo
January 22, 2010 was the planned closure date of Guantanamo Bay detention camp, as ordered by President Obama.
2021: Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp Remains Open
As of 2021, the Guantanamo Bay detention camp remained open due to Congress refusing to fund its closure.
January 2025: Trump Proposes Sending Migrants to Guantanamo
In January 2025, President Donald Trump proposed sending and detaining migrants at Guantanamo Bay.
