History of Saba

Founding and First Mentions

The history of the island of Saba began long before the arrival of Europeans: archaeological findings indicate the presence of the Ciboney, Arawak, and Carib indigenous tribes here. For the Western world, the island was discovered by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage in 1493; however, due to the dangerous rocky shores, no landing took place at that time. The first permanent European settlement was established by the Dutch only in 1640, when colonists arrived from the neighboring island of Sint Eustatius.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of this territory, which is part of the Caribbean Netherlands today, was largely determined by its unique geography. Saba is the peak of a dormant volcano rising steeply into the sky. The absence of convenient natural harbors and the impregnable cliffs served as reliable protection against pirates and unwanted guests, turning the island into a natural fortress. Due to its strategic position, control over this land changed hands multiple times between European powers until definitive Dutch rule was established in 1816.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The complex mountainous terrain made the creation of extensive sugar plantations, typical of the Caribbean basin, impossible. This shaped a distinct economic and cultural way of life:

• Maritime Mastery: Local men were renowned as skilled sailors and shipbuilders, whose skills were highly valued throughout the region.
• Unique Crafts: An important part of the economy was the famous Saba Lace, which the women of the island created by hand and exported abroad.
• Agriculture: Residents engaged in growing vegetables and fishing, primarily for their own needs, which contributed to the formation of a cohesive and independent community.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1493: Christopher Columbus discovers the island of Saba during his second voyage but does not land on the shore due to the sheer cliffs.
• 1632: Shipwrecked English sailors become the first known Europeans to set foot on the island's soil.
• 1640: The Dutch West India Company sends colonists from neighboring Sint Eustatius to establish the first permanent settlement.
• 1664: The famous pirate Thomas Morgan captures the island and temporarily evicts the Dutch settlers.
• 1816: After changing flags multiple times, the territory finally comes under the authority of the Netherlands, becoming part of the region known today as the Caribbean Netherlands.
• 1870s: Mary Gertrude Hassell begins teaching local women the art of lace-making, which soon brings the island worldwide fame.
• 1938: Josephus Hassell initiates the construction of the only road, "The Road," which professional engineers considered impossible to build.
• 1963: The opening of the Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport takes place, featuring one of the shortest commercial runways in the world.
• 1972: Construction of a pier in Fort Bay is completed, opening opportunities for regular maritime transport and cargo delivery.
• 1986: The government establishes the Saba National Marine Park to protect the unique coral reefs and underwater fauna around the island.
• 1992: The Saba University School of Medicine opens, becoming an important educational hub and a driver of the local economy.
• 2010: As a result of constitutional reform and the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles, Saba receives the status of a special municipality of the Netherlands.

Evolution and Significant Transformations

The development of the island of Saba is a unique example of adaptation to difficult terrain and gradual integration into the global economy. Due to the lack of natural beaches and plains, the plantation model typical of the Caribbean basin did not form here, which directed the development of this territory, part of the Caribbean Netherlands, along a special path. The main milestones of development are connected with overcoming isolation and creating modern infrastructure.

• Construction of "The Road": This is arguably the main urban planning project in the island's history. Until the mid-20th century, the four main settlements were isolated from each other and connected only by steep trails. The appearance of a concrete road, built by hand by locals contrary to the opinion of engineers, united the island into a single organism, allowing for vehicular traffic and simplifying internal trade.
• Opening of Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport: The advent of air travel radically changed the island's economy, reorienting it from subsistence farming to tourism. The airport made Saba accessible to travelers wishing to explore "The Unspoiled Queen" and provided a fast link to the outside world for emergency services and mail.
• Establishment of the Medical University (Saba University School of Medicine): The opening of the university in 1992 became a powerful driver of the modern economy. The influx of students and faculty stimulated the rental market, the service sector, and the dining industry, significantly increasing the permanent population and local budget revenues.
• Modernization of the Fort Bay Seaport: The construction of a proper pier and its subsequent renovations allowed for regular supplies of food, construction materials, and fuel. This ensured the island's energy security and the ability to receive ferries with tourists from neighboring Sint Maarten.
• Creation of the Saba Marine Park: The decision to protect the underwater resources around the island defined Saba's tourism niche as an elite destination for diving. This allowed for the preservation of a unique ecosystem, which today is the main "magnet" for guests, and created jobs in the eco-tourism sector.
• Constitutional Reform of 2010: Obtaining the status of a special municipality of the Netherlands led to significant investments in infrastructure. Water supply, waste management, and healthcare systems were modernized, bringing the quality of life on the island closer to European standards.

Urban Development and Unique Landscape

The urban structure of the island of Saba is dictated by its complex volcanic terrain. Unlike many colonial cities with a regular layout, settlements here formed naturally in the few habitable places — inside the crater of the dormant volcano or on relatively gentle slopes. Until the mid-20th century, the villages were isolated and connected only by stepped paths, but the construction of the famous "The Road" united them into a single infrastructure network while preserving the intimacy and coziness of each settlement.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The architecture of the island, which is part of the Caribbean Netherlands, is surprisingly homogeneous and recognizable. One will not find pompous Baroque or monumental Classicism here; instead, a distinctive style developed, perfectly adapted to the Caribbean climate and local traditions.

• Traditional Saban Cottage (19th – early 20th century): The foundation of the island's architectural appearance. This vernacular style was formed under the influence of Dutch, English, and Scottish traditions. Characteristic features include white wooden facades (clapboard or shingles), red pitched roofs (originally tiled, later galvanized iron), and green shutters. Houses were often set on stone foundations for protection against hurricanes and termites.
• Victorian Influence (late 19th century): During the heyday of trade and the return of sailors from long voyages, simple cottages began to be adorned with decorative wood carving. Delicate architraves and eaves, known as "gingerbread trim," added an elegance to the buildings characteristic of the Victorian era.
• Modern Traditionalism (late 20th century – present): Island authorities adopted strict building codes to preserve the historical appearance. Modern buildings, whether hotels or private villas, are required to observe the canonical color scheme and style, making the island a visually cohesive open-air museum.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

Each of the island's four main settlements has its own architectural landmarks that shape its atmosphere:

• Windwardside: The most picturesque and tourist-oriented village on the island. Here lies the Harry L. Johnson Museum — a benchmark example of a 19th-century Saban cottage surrounded by a historical garden. The area abounds with beautifully preserved villas featuring "gingerbread" decor.
• The Bottom: The administrative capital, located in the bowl of the crater. The Government Building stands out here with a colonial-style colonnade, reflecting the official status of the settlement. Also notable is the Anglican Christ Church — the oldest stone structure on the island, dating back to 1777, featuring elements of strict religious architecture.
• Holy Rosary Church in Zion's Hill: Built in 1962, it stands prominently above the village and combines traditional forms with stone masonry, reminiscent of medieval fortresses, although it is a 20th-century structure.

Iconic Figures in the Island's History

The history of the island of Saba is inextricably linked with people whose determination and talents helped this secluded place, part of the Caribbean Netherlands, to prosper despite the harsh nature and isolation. Here is a list of outstanding individuals who left an indelible mark on the island's chronicles:

• Josephus Lambert Hassell
  Self-taught engineer and visionary (20th century)
  A legendary figure who proved that the impossible is possible. When professional engineers declared that building a road on the steep slopes of the volcano was impossible, Hassell took a correspondence course in road construction by mail. Leading a team of local residents, he designed and built the famous "The Road," which remains the island's main transport artery to this day.
• Mary Gertrude Hassell
  Founder of the craft (19th century)
  In the 1870s, Mary Gertrude returned to the island after studying at a convent in Caracas, bringing with her the secrets of lace-making. She taught this art to local women, launching the "Saba Lace" industry. This unique needlework became an important export item and brought the island worldwide renown.
• Harry L. Johnson
  Police officer, artist, and ethnographer (20th century)
  He served as a police officer but is remembered as the guardian of Saba's cultural code. He was a talented amateur artist and collector of folklore. His home in the Windwardside district, surrounded by a magnificent garden, today serves as the island's main museum, where the lifestyle of ancestors is carefully preserved.
• Cornelia "Ma" Jones
  Political leader (20th century)
  A pioneer of female leadership in the Caribbean. Cornelia Jones became the first woman appointed to the post of Administrator (Gezaghebber) of the island. Her work contributed to strengthening the rights of local residents and improving social conditions in the middle of the last century.
• Will Johnson
  Historian, writer, and politician (20th–21st century)
  The modern chronicler of Saba. Founder of "The Saba Herald" newspaper, he spent decades collecting genealogical data and stories of old families. His books and research are the main source of knowledge about the island's maritime past and the lives of the first settlers.
• Juancho Irausquin
  Statesman (20th century)
  Although he was originally from Aruba, his contribution to Saba's development was critically important. As the Minister of Finance of the Netherlands Antilles, he secured funding for the construction of an airport on the only flat section of the island. The airport, which opened Saba to the world, now bears his name.