This section provides a specific chronological supplement to the "Abbreviated History of the Steel Pan", therefore some of the same information will be found in both sections.

1883
The use of drums in street parades is outlawed. Colonists fear the passing of coded messages by means of drumming will serve to unite the African population and ignite revolts against the colonists. Resulting riots and conflict lead to the banning of drum processions after this year's carnival.

1900-1934
The ban of drums leads to the use of tuned bamboo sticks in street parades. These groups come to be know as Tamboo Bamboo bands. During the 1930's metal biscuit tins are included as rhythm instruments in the Tamboo Bamboo bands.

1934
Tamboo Bamboo bands are outlawed due to street clashes amongst rival groups.

1935-1938
A gradual change to metal (steel) instruments in street bands.

1938-1939
Considered the birth years of the steel drum. Tamboo Bamboo bands switching completely over to steel. These groups are initially called Iron Bands. Alexander's Ragtime Band, led by Carlton Forde, is said to have been the first Iron Band, using exclusively steel instruments.

The early rhythm steel drums were usually made from paint tins or biscuit tins, one foot in diameter and two feet long. It was soon discovered that bulges of different sizes in the bottom of a tin could produce sounds of various pitches. Some of the more inventive players start to tune the tins and play melodies on them. Winston "Spree" Simon is generally considered the inventor of the first melodic steel pan.

1939-1945
The first melody pans with three to eight notes are introduced. The pan crafting process is improved by sinking, grooving, and tempering. Players begin to use sticks with rubber tubing. The instruments are grouped into categories such as iron, boom, dudup, and ping-pong.

1942
Carnivals forbidden during World War II. This allows tuners more time for acoustic experiments with the emerging steel pan.

1945
In a spontaneous Carnival at the end of the war several bands emerge consisting of only steel pans. These are the first true Steelbands.

1946
The Invaders steelband, led by Ellie Mannette, reported to be the first steelband to participate in organized "mas".

1948
The 55 gallon oil drum replaces the smaller, thinner bisuit tin as the main raw material for crafting steel pans. The first fourteen note pan with chromatic tones is developed.

1951
The Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) forms. This group of innovators performs in England, bringing the steel pan to the world stage.

1957
With the help of Ellie Mannette, the US Navy forms the first Steelband of players not born in the Caribbean.

1958- Present
The steelband develops into a full chromatic orchestra. Bands quickly develop technical proficiency and musical versatility. The popularity of pan spreads throughout the world, especially in Europe and North America. Schools within the United States continue to establish Steelbands at a rapid pace. The Steel Pan earns its position as the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.