Sint Maartensaintmartin The Friendly Island
In the United States, when we think of the Age of Exploration and the European influence over the Americas and the islands of the Pacific, we generally only consider its relevance insofar as American history is concerned.
But if we so limit our sense of scope, we will certainly miss out on the rich mixed culture which has developed in the nations surrounding us. For instance, take the small island to be divided between two separate nations: Saint Martin, or, as it is known in Dutch--Sint Maarten.
It is also sometimes nicknamed "the Friendly Island," though you wouldn't know it, as it is divided between two countries. The Dutch side is part of the Netherlands Antilles--a collection of islands located in the Caribbean. Though the Antilles are considered autonomous, or independently functioning, they are still formally considered part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The French side is the larger side, comprising fifty-three square kilometers of the total eighty-seven square kilometers of the island, and is still operating under the administration of France.
Because the island is so close to the coast of Venezuela, it is only natural that it was initially settled about twelve hundred years ago by members of the Arawak tribes of South America. By them it was given a name which meant "Land of Salt."
But on November 11th, 1493, Columbus landed on its shore and dubbed it Isla de San Martin--Saint Martin's Island--because that day happened to be, in the Catholic tradition, the feast day for Saint Martin.
However, after well over a century, both French and Dutch settlers came to settle the island--the French to grow tobacco and the Dutch to collect the plentiful salt available. The Spanish army had a large station at nearby Puerto Rico (186 miles away), and they expanded to Saint Martin to build another military base. It is clear that within a few years, they abandoned it.
For the following centuries, the island continually changed hands among the Dutch, French, and English colonists. But it was the Treaty of Concordia, signed in 1648, which officially agreed to split the island between the Dutch and French monarchies, and that treaty has held ever since.
People obviously don't grow tobacco or collect salt there anymore. So what draws travelers to this little island? Well, of course, it is a beautiful island paradise with both public and private beaches. But on top of that, it is also known as a shopper's paradise, with plenty of boutiques on both sides of the isle.
Naturally, there are world class restaurants which boast the blended tastes of the Netherlands, France, and the Caribbean. But certainly, it's more than just taste which will take you there. What draws me to this island getaway is the amazing blend of cultures that come together in such a small space!
