Spanish House of Trade

Timeline

1. 1503Seville · SpainA decree by Ferdinand II and Isabella I established the Casa de Contratación in Seville, concentrating New World trade licenses, ship registration, and tariff collection under a royal body, replacing the previously scattered port administration.
2. c. 1505–1510Seville · SpainIn the early 1500s the Casa perfected its route license system and cargo manifest review, establishing Seville as the sole legal entry port for Spanish American silver and goods, attracting large numbers of merchants, cartographers, and navigation officials.
3. c. 1520–1580Seville · SpainThe Casa housed a cartographic office and navigation training functions, systematically preserving Pacific and Atlantic sea charts, tide tables, and astronomical observations, providing technical support to the Spanish fleet and accumulating imperial maritime knowledge.
4. c. 1717–1790Cádiz · SpainAs the focus of trade shifted south, the Casa's core functions gradually moved to Cádiz, leaving its Seville headquarters a mere formality; after Spain's colonial trade reforms of the late eighteenth century, the institution was finally abolished.