Grenada – The Caribbean Island of Spice
Known as the Island of Spice thanks to an abundance of nutmeg trees, Grenada is a beautiful Caribbean island of volcanic origin. It covers an area of 344 square miles, has a mountainous interior peppered with rivers and waterfalls and beautiful beaches. It’s the largest and the capital of the Grenadines and has a population of around 110,000.
The history of Grenada
History first makes note of Grenada in 1498 when it was discovered by Christopher Columbus. The island had already been named Camerhogue by Carib Indians who’d bloodily seized control from the existing Arawak inhabitants but Columbus conferred on it the name Concepcion. Later sailors however, preferred the name Grenada in homage to Andalucía. The Caribs fought off European occupation by Spain, France and Britain until they were finally all wiped out by the French in 1650 whereupon Concepcion became La Grenade. Fort Royal was established as the capital and for the next 90 years the French engaged in constant battle with Britain for possession of the island. The British finally prevailed and under the 1783 Treaty of Paris, France relinquished claim.
The name Le Grenade was abandoned, Grenada was born and it became a sugar producing island thanks to the imported African slaves. The first challenge to British rule was in 1795 when a black planter, Julian Fedon was inspired by the French Revolution. The slave rebellion was initially successful and they managed to gain control of Grenada, briefly but the rebels were eventually once again subjugated by the British. Slavery continued until abolition in 1834 and Britain continued to prosper from Grenada’s sugar and spices right up until the island gained independence in 1974.
Since Independence, Grenada has seen off a prolonged attempt by insurgents to establish a communist state which required American military assistance to re-establish democratic government.
Today, the Island’s Franco/English heritage is enjoyed by visitors from all over the world.
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