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Brief History
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The island was discovered by the Portuguese navigator, Joo Nova, on Ascension Day 1501, and was occasionally visited thereafter by ships. In 1701 William Dampier was wrecked on its coast, and during his detention discovered the only spring of fresh water the island contains. The Island was first occupied in 1815 by the Royal Navy as a precaution while Napoleon was held on nearby St. Helena. A settlement, named George Town (locally known as the Garrison), was made on the north-west coast, The island was placed under the direct rule of the Admiralty, and was run as if it were a ship. It was governed by a naval captain under the command of the admiral superintendent at Gibraltar. It was first and foremost used as a depot of stores for the navy. It was visited once a month by mail steamers from the Cape. Previously, letters had been left by passing ships under one of the rocks. The population numbered only about 300 and consisted of seamen, marines, and Krumen from Liberia. It was placed under civil administration from St. Helena in 1922.
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