The Cayman Islands remained relatively worthless Spanish new world properties until what year?

The correct response is rooted in the historical context of the Cayman Islands' interaction with European powers. Prior to 1655, the islands were not perceived as valuable to empires like Spain, which led to minimal interest or investment in their development. The Spanish had little use for the islands, primarily due to their lack of gold and other natural resources that were highly sought after during the age of exploration and colonization.

However, in 1655, a significant event occurred when the British captured Jamaica from the Spanish. This led to an increased interest in the surrounding islands, including the Cayman Islands. Following the capture, the British began to recognize the strategic location and potential of the Caymans for trade, as well as a site for agriculture and as a refuge for ships. This shift marked the transition from the islands being largely overlooked to becoming an area of colonial expansion and settlement, thus increasing their worth in terms of strategic and economic importance.

This year is pivotal as it signifies the beginning of British involvement and the subsequent establishment of settlements, which fundamentally altered the trajectory of Cayman history and its value within the wider context of Caribbean colonial politics.