Saint Barthélemy: an island, a history, a way of life

Saint-Barthélemy: an island, a history, a way of life

In Gustavia, a street name recalls Sweden. Elsewhere, a cistern near a house tells the story of the importance of water. In Saint John, the remains buried under the ground testify to a human presence long before the first European travellers.

The history of Saint-Barthélemy can be read in these details. It sheds light on the landscapes, the habitat and the links that its inhabitants have with their island. Discovering it allows you to give another depth to your stay: that of a territory shaped by maritime exchanges, the difficulties of daily life and the transformations of its openness to the world.

Before the Europeans: an ancient Amerindian presence

The history of Saint-Barthélemy begins well before 1493.

In Saint John, archaeological excavations have revealed accumulations of shells, traces of hearths and tools testifying to ancient pre-Columbian occupations. These discoveries document the collection and preparation of marine resources. They remind us that the island was already part of the areas of circulation of Amerindian populations. Archaeological discoveries presented by Inrap

In 1493, during his second voyage to the West Indies, Christopher Columbus named the island after his brother Bartolomeo. This landmark marks its entry into European narratives, but does not constitute the beginning of its history. Historical tour of the territorial museums

Living on an island with limited resources

In the seventeenth century, French colonization was part of the European rivalries that crossed the West Indies. The settlements were fragile and living conditions difficult. Slavery was present from this period: it is fully part of the history of the island. The first colonial settlements

To understand the life that is organized there, we must also look at the territory itself. The relief, the dry periods and the scarcity of water require adaptations.

The habitat retains traces of this. The collection of rainwater, the cisterns and the organization of the house around buildings with distinct functions meet concrete needs. This heritage tells the story of a way of building and living that is attentive to the resources available. Architecture and heritage of Saint-Barthélemy

Observing an old house allows you to go beyond its charm alone: its layout also testifies to the work and ingenuity necessary for island life.

The Swedish era: understanding Gustavia

The cession of Saint-Barthélemy to Sweden was decided in 1784; the Swedish administration took possession of the island in 1785. Gustavia received its name in homage to King Gustav III.

Its status as a free port favoured trade. The island became a commercial stopover in the Caribbean, linking its economy to the movements of ships and international events.

This port history also includes that of slavery, which was abolished in Saint-Barthélemy on 9 October 1847. Understanding the Swedish heritage requires that these commercial, political and human dimensions be held together. The Swedish era in the itineraries of the territorial museums

Today, a walk through Gustavia allows you to observe several architectural traces of this period, including the Swedish bell tower and the old town hall. The port's past gives another meaning to this city turned towards the sea. Discover the heritage of Gustavia

The return to France and the continuity of maritime life

After the retrocession treaty signed in 1877, Saint-Barthélemy became French again in 1878. This change of sovereignty came after a period of economic difficulties and disasters that had affected the island. Historical landmarks of the IEDOM
The sea remains essential to everyday life. Local sailing ships transport goods and maintain relations with neighbouring islands. Behind the current image of a marina is therefore a long history of supplying, sailing and working. Maritime life in the contemporary history of the island

Aviation and the development of tourism

In 1946, Rémy de Haenen landed an airplane on the island for the first time. This event opened a new chapter in its accessibility. History of Saint-Barthélemy Airport

In the following decades, the development of tourism gradually transformed the economy and the landscape. The acquisition of a property by David Rockefeller in 1957 was one of the episodes associated with the growing international reputation of Saint-Barthélemy. Historical landmarks of the Tourism Committee

However, this evolution is not limited to the arrival of famous visitors. It is also based on the work of the inhabitants, entrepreneurs and professionals who welcome, build, maintain and pass on their knowledge of the place.

Having become an overseas collectivity in 2007, Saint-Barthélemy continues its evolution with its own institutional organization. Presentation of its statutory evolution by the IEDOM

Discover the history during your stay

A few steps allow you to approach this heritage without turning the discovery of the island into an exhaustive tour.

In Gustavia, take the time to look at the ancient buildings and the relationship between the streets and the port. Territorial museums offer resources to put these places in context; the Brigantine presents heritage and historical periods, while the Wall House hosts exhibitions. Consult the territorial museums

In the neighbourhoods, observe the old houses, their outbuildings and the water harvesting systems, from public spaces and with respect for privacy.

In Corossol, the discovery of the village also allows you to learn about a local identity linked to fishing and cultural heritage. 

These observations give the journey a more attentive dimension. A building, a bay or a house become the starting points for questions about the people who lived there and the uses that shaped them.

An art of living that can be discovered in the place

The art of living in Saint-Barthélemy takes on a personal dimension when you choose your pace: walk through Gustavia, find a beach, have a long lunch or enjoy the calm of a terrace.

When choosing a property, this relationship to the place is as important as the house itself. Do you want to easily reach shops, stay near a beach or prefer a more secluded environment? How do you imagine your days, your trips and your moments of rest?

At Blue Window Saint-Barth, we accompany you in this discovery. Understanding your desires and making you know the environment of a villa are part of our way of approaching your stay.

Discover our selection of villas for vacation rental in Saint-Barthélemy and find the place from which to write your own experience of the island.