The Peoples Temple Timeline

  • Jim Jones is Born in Crete, Indiana

  • Peoples Temple Opened By Jim Jones

  • Jim Jones Has a Vision

    Jim Jones has a vision of a nuclear holocaust in Chicago and Indianapolis
  • Peoples Temple Moves to California

    The Peoples Temple moves from it's locations in Indiana to California
  • Peoples Temple is Commended

    The Peoples Temple is commended by the Washington Post in an editorial
  • Jim Jones is Arrested

    Jim Jones is arrested in a Los Angeles Movie Theater for Homosexual Activity
  • Peoples Temple Applies for a Lease

    The Peoples Temple submits an application for a lease of a property known as "Jonestown" in Guyana (South America)
  • Government Approves Peoples Temple's Lease

    The Guyanese Government signs the lease for 3,852 acres of land known as "Jonestown"
  • New West Magazine Publishes Article about Peoples Temple

    An article in New West Magazine is published titled "Inside Peoples Temple" which includes allegations of abuse
  • Relatives Are Worried

    Relatives of members of The Peoples Temple are concerned and issue an Accusation of Human Rights Violation against Jim Jones
  • Carlton Goodlett Visits Jonestown

    Carlton Goodlett (A supporter of Peoples Temple and physician) visits Jonestown and recommends that Jones should receive medical attention
  • Leo Ryan Announces His Plans With Jonestown

    Government Representative Leo Ryan announces his plan to visit Jonestown to investigate
  • US Embassy Visits Jonestown

    US Embassy officials visit Jonestown and express the worsening mental state of Jones
  • Jonestown Residents Sign Petition

    600 Jonestown residents sign a petition (Resolution of Community) to oppose a visit from Leo Ryan
  • 913 Peoples Temple Members Die

    913 Peoples Temple members die from murder/suicide (909 in Jamestown and 4 in Georgetown)
  • Leo Ryan and Four Others Assassinated

    Leo Ryan and Four others are assassinated while 12 are wounded at Port Kaituma Airstrip in Guyana
  • Peoples Temple Files For Dissolution

    Peoples Temple Corporation files a petition for dissolution in California Supreme Court
  • Unidentified Peoples Temple Members Buried

    Unidentified Peoples Temple member's bodies are buried at Evergreen Cemetary in Oakland, California
  • Jamestown Memorial Dedicated

    Jamestown Memorial Dedicated in Evergreen Cemetary