San Pedro history

Foundation and First Settlers

The history of San Pedro is rooted in the pre-Columbian era, when Ambergris Caye was used by the Maya people as an important trading post and transit point. However, the modern chronology of the town is considered to begin in 1848. It was then that the first permanent settlers established themselves here — Mestizo families arriving from the north in search of a peaceful life. They founded a small village and named it after Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen.

Key Factors of Establishment

The transformation of a small village into a thriving settlement was predetermined by the geography and natural wealth of the region:

• Proximity to the Barrier Reef: The unique location next to the Belize Barrier Reef provided residents with inexhaustible marine resources.
• Island Isolation: Distance from the mainland fostered the formation of a close-knit and friendly community that relied on its own strength and mutual assistance.

Early Culture and Economy

For a long time, the economy of San Pedro rested on two pillars: fishing and agriculture. Local residents were actively engaged in catching fish and lobsters, as well as growing coconuts on vast plantations, which provided the main income until the mid-20th century. From the very beginning, the cultural life of the town was distinguished by a colourful blend of Spanish traditions and the Caribbean way of life, creating the very relaxed atmosphere for which San Pedro is famous today.

Major Milestones in the History of San Pedro

• 1848: Founding of a permanent settlement by Mestizo settler families arriving from Mexico.
• 1869: Ambergris Caye passes into the private ownership of the Blake family, changing the economic lifestyle of the residents.
• Early 20th Century: Period of active development of coconut plantations, which became the basis of the village's prosperity.
• 1942: A devastating hurricane destroys most of the plantations, forcing the population to return to traditional fishing.
• 1963: Creation of a fishing cooperative, allowing for the export of lobsters and strengthening the economy.
• 1965: Opening of the first hotel, the Holiday Hotel, marking the beginning of the tourism era on the island.
• 1981: Belize gains independence, attracting additional international attention to the region.
• November 27, 1984: San Pedro officially receives Town status, securing its role as an administrative centre.
• 1996: Inscription of the Belize Barrier Reef on the UNESCO World Heritage list sharply increases the flow of divers.
• 2000s: Transformation of the town into the country's main resort with developed infrastructure and an international airport.

Key Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of San Pedro is an example of how a small community was able to adapt to change, transforming from a coconut supplier into the tourism capital of Belize. Below are the main milestones that defined the modern appearance of the town:

• Creation of the "Caribena" Cooperative (1963): An economic turning point. Uniting fishermen into a cooperative allowed local residents to independently control the export of seafood (especially lobsters) to the USA. This provided financial independence for many families and laid the capital for future business development.
• Acquiring Town Status (1984): An administrative milestone. Receiving the status of Town gave San Pedro political autonomy and the opportunity to retain a portion of taxes in the local budget. This led to improvements in municipal infrastructure, the construction of schools, and the first clinic.
• Creation of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (1987): An ecological and tourism breakthrough. The decision to protect the marine environment just a few kilometres from the town made San Pedro a mecca for divers and snorkellers from around the world, definitively shifting the economic vector towards eco-tourism.
• Cultural Popularisation (Late 1980s): Global recognition. The release of Madonna's song "La Isla Bonita", often associated with San Pedro, attracted the attention of a wide audience. The town came to be perceived as the embodiment of the Caribbean dream, causing a sharp increase in the flow of travellers.
• Construction of the Bridge over the Channel (2006): Urban expansion. The opening of the bridge connecting the town centre with the northern part of Ambergris Caye opened up new territories for development. This led to a boom in the construction of elite resorts and private villas outside the historical centre.
• Modernisation of Streets and Transport (2010s): An infrastructural leap. Replacing sandy roads with cobblestones and concrete paving in the centre and towards the north changed the look of the town, making it more convenient for golf carts — the main mode of transport on the island.

Architectural Appearance and Stylistic Features

The architecture of San Pedro is far from monumental European styles like Gothic or Classicism. It is a vivid example of adaptive tropical development, where aesthetics are subordinate to functionality and climatic conditions. The town's appearance was formed as a blend of British colonial heritage and Caribbean relaxation.

Main architectural trends represented in the town:

• Caribbean Vernacular: The historical style of the early period (late 19th – mid-20th century). These are wooden structures on stilts, painted in pastel or bright colours. Stilts protected against flooding and provided ventilation, while wide verandas created shade.
• Utilitarian Functionalism: After the destructive hurricanes of the mid-20th century, wood began to give way to concrete and cinder blocks. Buildings of this style are simple, devoid of decor, but resistant to the elements. They often have flat roofs used as reservoirs for collecting rainwater.
• Tropical Modernism and Resort Style: The modern stage (since the 1990s). Characterised by the use of natural materials ("palapa" thatched roofs, local timber) combined with modern glazing and concrete. Predominant in the northern part of the island and in new hotel complexes.

Urban Development and Layout

The urban structure of San Pedro is unique in its linearity, dictated by the geography of the narrow island. The historical core of the town, known as Downtown, formed around three parallel streets running along the coast.

Key Zones and Stages of Development:

• Historical Centre (The Three Streets): The heart of the town consists of three main streets: Barrier Reef Drive (Front Street), Pescador Drive (Middle Street), and Angel Coral Street (Back Street). Initially, these were sandy roads, but during modernisation, they were paved with cobblestones, while retaining a narrow profile designed for golf carts.
• Northern Expansion (North Ambergris): After the construction of the bridge over the channel (The Cut), the town began to grow actively to the north. There is no dense grid of streets here; the development represents a chain of resorts, villas, and condominiums stretching along a single road.
• San Pablito District and the South: Residential areas for the local population and new commercial zones are developing in the southern direction and deeper into the lagoon, where mangrove swamps are being reclaimed to create new plots for construction.

Landmark Buildings and Structures

There are no grandiose palaces in San Pedro, but there are objects that form its recognisable silhouette:

• San Pedro Roman Catholic Church: The centre of the town's spiritual life. The building is executed in a simple style with elements of mission architecture, serving as a main landmark on Front Street.
• Central Park and Clock Tower: The main public space on the seafront, where city festivals take place. A small clock tower has become the symbol of the central square.
• Old Town Hall Building: An example of administrative construction from a transitional period, combining a concrete base with traditional elements.

Distinguished Personalities of San Pedro

The history and modern appearance of San Pedro have been shaped by the efforts of entrepreneurs, politicians, and cultural figures who turned a fishing village into a world-class tourism centre. Below are key figures who left a noticeable mark on the life of the town.

• James Hume Blake
  Major landowner, administrator (19th century)
  A British magistrate who purchased the entire island of Ambergris Caye for 625 dollars in 1869. Blake played a decisive role in the early economic history of the region, turning the island into a major centre for copra (coconut pulp) production. His family owned the lands for generations, defining the lifestyle of local residents until the mid-20th century.
• Celi McCorkle
  Entrepreneur, "Mother of Tourism" in San Pedro
  A key figure in the transformation of the town's economy. In 1965, she opened the Holiday Hotel — the first hotel on the island oriented towards foreign guests. Celi McCorkle did not just create a business, but actively began to promote San Pedro as a destination for diving and beach holidays, laying the foundation for Belize's modern tourism industry.
• Gilberto "Chico" Gomez
  Politician, first Mayor of the town
  A historical leader who headed San Pedro at the moment it received Town status in 1984. Under his leadership, the first town administration was formed, and systematic development of municipal infrastructure and strengthening of local self-governance began, allowing the town to effectively manage tax revenues.
• Sir Barry Bowen
  Business magnate, philanthropist
  One of the wealthiest and most influential people in the history of Belize, whose life was closely connected with San Pedro. Owner of Bowen & Bowen (producer of the famous Belikin brand), he invested significant funds in the development of the island's infrastructure, including road construction and support for the Island Academy school. Bowen died in a plane crash near San Pedro in 2010 while piloting his own aircraft.
• Manuel Heredia Jr.
  Fisherman, statesman
  A native of San Pedro who began his career as a simple fisherman and became the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation of Belize. He played an important role in lobbying for the island's interests at the national level, contributing to the modernisation of the airport and the improvement of the town's road network in the 2000s and 2010s.
• Jerry Jeff Walker
  Musician, cultural ambassador
  An American country singer and songwriter who made San Pedro his second home. He recorded the album "Cowboy's Winery" here and for many years held "Camp Belize" musical events, attracting thousands of fans from the USA to the island. Walker became a symbol of the expat community and a populariser of the relaxed lifestyle of San Pedro.