ST. LUCIA
History | Food & Drink | Sports & Recreation | Sightseeing

St. Lucia's History
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The English attempted to settle the islands in 1605 and 1639, but fierce Carib Indians thwarted their efforts on both occasions. In 1650 the French finally established the first permanent settlement. A 150-year long struggle for control ensued, as St. Lucia changed hands between feuding French and British 14 times. The island was finally ceded to the British in 1814 and became one of the Windward Islands in 1838.

Sugar plantations thrived from the mid-1700's to the mid-1800's. With African slaved providing free labor, the industry thrived. Once slavery was abolished in 1834, a labor shortage ensued that contributed to the industry's decline. The economy improved in the early 20th century, as a greater emphasis was placed on the cultivation of banana and cocoa.

As a provision of the West Indies Act in 1967, St. Lucia became entirely self-governing in internal affairs. In 1979, the island obtained full independence from Great Britain. The country remains a stable parliamentary democracy, with a governor-general designated by Queen Elizabeth II. Agriculture and tourism are economic mainstays for the island.

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St. Lucia's Food & Drink
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Restaurants on St. Lucia are concentrated in Castries and Gros Islet. Many specialize in Creole cuisine. Local dishes include lobster, snapper, dolphin, kingfish, swordfish, and pumpkin souffle.

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St. Lucia's Sports & Recreation
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Aquatic pastimes - water skiing, snorkeling and boating among them - are popular recreation pursuits on St. Lucia. Conditions for windsurfing are good at Reduit Beach on the northwest coast.

Because of St. Lucia's volcanic origins, black sand is found on some beaches. The popular beaches are on the north and west coasts; the turbulent waters of the Atlantic coast are not recommended for swimming. Divers can experience a spectacular sampling of steep underwater drop-offs and unspoiled marine life. Waters off the west coast provide the best opportunities for diving.

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St. Lucia's Sightseeing
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Castries

St. Lucia's capital, is a bustling harbor town surrounded by rolling hills. Only a few historic landmarks stand; since its founding by the French in the 18th century, Castries has been destroyed by fire four times. The town's colorful downtown market has been in existence since 1895 and Saturday is the best day to visit.

Soufriere

Established by the French in 1746, the quaint west coast village is actually a low-lying volcanic center. Once the flourishing French capital, Soufriere is now a sleepy fishing village characterized by traces of French Colonial architecture and black sand beaches.

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