The Principality of Trinidad was a short-lived unrecognized state declared in 1893[1] when the American James Harden-Hickey claimed the uninhabited Trindade Island in the South Atlantic.

While traveling to Tibet before his marriage, Harden-Hickey noticed the tiny island of Trindade in the South Atlantic Ocean, which had never been claimed by any country and was, legally, terra nullius.

In 1893, wanting an independent state where he could serve as its ruler, he claimed the island and proclaimed himself James I, the Prince of Trinidad.

He designed postage stamps, a national flag and coat of arms, and established a chivalric order, the Cross of Trinidad.

He bought a schooner to transport colonists, appointed M. Le Comte De la Boissiere as Secretary of State, and opened a consular office at 217 West 36th Street in New York City.