1953 - July 26

Moncado Barrack Attack

Failed attack by Castro’s men on Batista’s military barracks in Santiago de Cuba. Castro is arrested, sentenced to 30 years but only serves two years.

1955 - May 15

Castro Released

Batista signs general amnesty bill releasing political prisoners. Castro goes to Mexico.

1956 - Dec 2

GRAMNA

Lands

Castro and 81 of his supporters calling themselves the July 26^th Movement, land in Cuba in unsuccessful attempt to destroy Batista’s military. They hide in the Sierra Maestra mountains in Oriente province from where they conduct their guerilla invasions.

1958 - Nov 1

Hijacking

Cubana Airline Flight 495 is hijacked and crashes in the Bay of Nipe outside of Preston.

1959 - Jan 1

Bastita Resigns

Batista and his cabinet members resign and go to the Dominican Republic.

1959 - Jan 2

Manuel Urrutia President

Castro names Manuel Urrutia President of Cuba.

1959 - Jan 8

Castro’s Dove Speech

Castro addresses the nation. Two doves are released and one perches on his shoulder for duration of speech.

1959 - April 15

Castro in the U.S.

Castro goes to U.S. to request funding and credit. Meets with Vice President Nixon.

1959 - June 29

Pedro Luis Diaz Defects

Pedro Luis Diaz defects to the U.S. over concerns of Communist elements in Castro’s government.

1959 - July 16

Urrutia  Replaced

Castro replaces Urrutia with Osvoldo Dorticos claiming Urrutia was a Diaz sympathizer.

1959 - Oct 5

Little World Series Victory

The Cuban Sugar Kings win the Little World Series in Havana.

1959 - Dec  11

Huberto Matos Trial

High-ranking officer in Castro’s militia brought to trial for expressing concerns about the way the Revolution was progressing. Sentenced 20 years.

1960 - Jan

Non-Cuban Clergy Sent Home

Castro’s militia deports non-Cuban clergy.

1960 - March 17

Eisenhower Approves Covert Action

Eisenhower approves covert action against Cuba including CIA involvement in an invasion.

1960 - June/July

Castro Nationalizes Industry

Cuba nationalizes oil refineries, sugar factories, U.S. owned businesses and commercial properties.

1960 - Dec 26

First Pedro Pan Children arrive in Miami

With support of Father Walsh and Mr. Baker, the first unaccompanied Cuban children arrive in the U.S.

Dates

Event

Comment

1961 - Jan 3

U.S. Officially Breaks Relations

U.S. Embassy in Havana closes. Visas are no longer granted in Havana. U.S. breaks relations with the Cuba.

1961 - April 15

Operation Pluto Begins

Brigada 2506 bombs Castro’s airfields.

1961 - April 17

Bay of Pigs Invasion

Approximately 1200 Brigada liberators unsuccessfully attempt to invade Castro’s militia at Bay of Pigs.

1961 - April

Bay of Pig Prisoners at Sports Palace

Bay of Pig prisoners are taken to Sports Palace and interrogated.

1961 - May

Prisoners Moved to Naval Hospital

Prisoners are moved from the Sports Palace to the Naval Hospital. Commission of ten sent to U.S. to negotiate ransom of tractor for prisoners.

1961 - June

Negotiations are Broken

Tractors for Freedom Committee disbanded and negotiations for prisoners are stalled.

1961 - July

Prisoners Moved to Principe Castle

Prisoners are move to Principe Castle.

1962 - March 29

The Trial

Prisoners brought to trial. Sentenced to 30 years, but Castro allows for ransom of $62 million.

1962 - April

Berta Seeks Meeting with Castro

Berta, leader of Cuban Families Committee in Cuba seeks support for ransom of prisoners. Opens discussions with Celia Sanchez.

1962 - May

Some Prisoners Moved to Isle of Pines

The Brigade leaders and prisoners with $100,000 ransom demands moved to Isle of Pines.

1962 - June

Mr. Donovan Assigned

Mr. Donovan assigned to help with negotiation of prisoners.

1962 - Oct 22

Cuban Missile Crisis

Crisis forestalls negotiations for release of prisoners.

1962 - Oct 23

Flights between U.S. and Cuba cancelled

Air travel between U.S. and Cuba is permanently cancelled. The semi-clandestine activity of providing passage for unaccompanied Cuban children to the U.S., Operation Pedro Pan, ceases.

1962 - Nov

Plea to Attorney General Bobby Kennedy

Alvaro Sanchez and Ruiz-Williams plead for help in release of prisoners. Bobby Kennedy promises to have prisoners in U.S. by end of the year.

1962 - Dec 23

Prisoners arrive in Florida

Ransom demands satisfied, prisoners arrive in Florida. Relatives come to meet them.

1962 - Dec 29

President Kennedy Speech to Brigada 2506 at Orange Bowl

President and Mrs. Kennedy address members of the Brigade, the released prisoners, and their families at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida.