Saint Lucia

Quick Facts: Who was Saint Lucia?

Subject:

Saint Lucia

Known for:

Caribbean island nation known for its dramatic topography and rich colonial history.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Saint Lucia (also written as St. Lucia) is an island country in the eastern and southern Caribbean. Part of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, it is located north/northeast of the island of Saint Vincent, northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique. It covers a land area of 617 km2 (238 sq mi) with an officially estimated population of over 184,100 people as of mid 2023. The nation's capital and largest city is Castries. The first proven inhabitants of the island, the Arawaks, are believed to have been the first to settle on the island in 200–400 AD.

Career & Major Achievements

In 800 AD, the island was taken over by the Kalinago. The French were the first European colonists to settle on the island, and they signed a treaty with the native Caribs in 1660. The English took control of the island in 1663. In ensuing years, England and France fought 14 times for control of the island; consequently control over this immensely valuable geopolitical position changed frequently. Eventually, the British took complete control in 1814, shortly after the victory over French Emperor Napoleon I. Because the island switched so often between British and French control, Saint Lucia was also known as the "Helen of the West" after the Greek mythological character, Helen of Troy.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Representative government was introduced in 1924 with universal suffrage being established in 1951. From 1958 to 1962, the island was a member of the West Indies Federation. On 22 February 1979, Saint Lucia became an independent state, while remaining as a Commonwealth realm. Saint Lucia is a member of the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the World Trade Organization, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). It is also a member of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1660: 1660 Milestone — The French were the first European colonists to settle on the island, and they signed a treaty with the native Caribs in 1660.
2. 1663: 1663 Milestone — The English took control of the island in 1663.
3. 1814: 1814 Milestone — Eventually, the British took complete control in 1814, shortly after the victory over French Emperor Napoleon I.
4. 1924: 1924 Milestone — Representative government was introduced in 1924 with universal suffrage being established in 1951.
5. 1958: 1958 Milestone — From 1958 to 1962, the island was a member of the West Indies Federation.
6. 1979: 1979 Milestone — On 22 February 1979, Saint Lucia became an independent state, while remaining as a Commonwealth realm.
7. 2023: 2023 Milestone — It covers a land area of 617 km2 (238 sq mi) with an officially estimated population of over 184,100 people as of mid 2023.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Saint Lucia

True or False: “The Arawaks were the first people to inhabit Saint Lucia, arriving around 1500 AD.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Arawaks are believed to have settled on the island much earlier, between 200–400 AD.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. S. Byatt — Historical peer (Died in 2023) (2023): Acclaimed English novelist, poet, and critic known for complex literary works.
• Alan Arkin — Historical peer (Died in 2023) (2023): Esteemed American actor, filmmaker, and musician with a seven-decade career.
• Daniel Defoe — Historical peer (Born in 1660) (1660): Pioneering English novelist, journalist, and merchant of the early 18th century.
• Diego Velázquez — Historical peer (Died in 1660) (1660): Master of the Spanish Baroque, celebrated for court portraiture and technical brilliance.
• Cotton Mather — Historical peer (Born in 1663) (1663): Influential Puritan theologian, historian, and clergyman of colonial New England.
• Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba — Historical peer (Died in 1663) (1663): Paramount ruler of Ndongo and Matamba, famed for resisting Portuguese encroachment.
• Adolphe Sax — Historical peer (Born in 1814) (1814): Belgian inventor who created the saxophone and revolutionized wind instruments.
• Alexander Cunningham — Historical peer (Born in 1814) (1814): Pioneering British archaeologist and founder of the Archaeological Survey of India.
• Abdullah of Saudi Arabia — Historical peer (Born in 1924) (1924): King of Saudi Arabia, known for his role in modernizing the kingdom's governance.
• Ahmadou Ahidjo — Historical peer (Born in 1924) (1924): Cameroonian politician and first President of Cameroon (1960-1982).

Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Lucia