Guam is part of the Mariana Islands chain but not part of the Northern Mariana Islands. (Actually, it is the southern Mariana Island). Events on Guam are included only occasionally in this chronology, when they are seen as having significance for the Northern Mariana Islands.

The United States administered Micronesia from the Second World War until each of the jurisdictions of the Trust Territory arrived at its current political status. For this reason, the timeline includes many events in the United States and in other parts of Micronesia that affected political and legal developments in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Some events not particular to Micronesia—Watergate, the moon landings, the Arab oil embargo—are included in the chronology for perspective, to remind of what else was occurring in the world at a particular time. (These events are italicized.)

In the tiny islands of Micronesia, land assumes a particular importance.  Also extremely important is the conservation, management, and exploitation of the resources of the surrounding seas. During the Micronesian political status negotiations with the United States, control of land and marine resources were critical issues. The chronology below pays particular attention to developments during the Micronesian political status negotiations with the United States that particularly affected the control of land and marine resources.

This timeline has been culled from many sources.  Don Farrell's authoritative History of the Northern Mariana Islands (1991) has been particularly helpful.

The chronology is a work in progress. Please feel free to suggest additional events that ought to be included and comments, corrections, and refinements on those that are listed.