History

A Brief History of St. Eustatius

A Thriving Trade Hub

Sint Eustatius, known as the "Golden Rock," played a key role in global trade and politics during the 17th and 18th centuries. Its history is shaped by commerce, war, and diplomacy.

The island became a significant trading hub in the 18th century when the Dutch declared it a free port, allowing duty-free trade. As many as 3,500 ships visited annually, exchanging goods such as spices, sugar, tobacco, weapons, and even enslaved people. The neutrality of the Dutch enabled St. Eustatius to thrive, particularly during the American War of Independence (1776–1781), when it became a key supplier of arms and gunpowder to the American colonies.

The First Salute and British Occupation

One of the island’s most famous historical moments occurred in 1776, when it became the first foreign entity to acknowledge the newly formed United States by saluting the American ship Andrew Doria—an act that angered the British and contributed to the island’s downfall. 

In 1781, British Admiral George Rodney invaded, confiscating cargo, imprisoning merchants (particularly from the Jewish community), and halting trade. However, the British occupation lasted only a few months before the French reclaimed the island. By 1784, the Dutch regained control, but the golden era had passed.

Colonial Struggles and Economic Decline

The island changed hands 22 times between the Dutch, British, and French due to European conflicts. By the early 19th century, St. Eustatius' economy had declined, and much of Lower Town, once a bustling commercial centre, fell into ruins.

Early Inhabitants and European Settlement

Long before European colonization, the island was inhabited by Amerindians as early as 1350 B.C. Evidence of settlements has been found near Corre Corre Bay and Franklin D. Roosevelt Airport. St. Eustatius' landscape is dominated by The Quill, a dormant volcano that last erupted around 400 A.D.

European interest in St. Eustatius began with its sighting by Sir Francis Drake in 1595. The French briefly occupied it in 1629 before the Dutch took formal possession in 1636, turning it into a vital trading center. In 1678, governance shifted to the Dutch West India Company, which imported enslaved laborers to sustain the sugar, cotton, and tobacco industries. The island also became an active participant in the transatlantic slave trade.

A Legacy of History

Today, the ruins and historical landmarks of St. Eustatius serve as reminders of its vibrant past, where wealth, war, and commerce intersected on a small yet globally significant Caribbean Island.