Cayenne history

The history of Cayenne, the administrative centre of French Guiana, is rich in events and reflects the complex colonial past of the entire region. The city, which grew from a small fort on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, eventually turned into an important port and management hub, the destiny of which is inextricably linked to the European development of these lands.

The official founding date of the city is considered to be 1643, when a French expedition established a fortification here. However, the first decades were marked by constant struggles with indigenous peoples and other colonial powers. It was only towards the end of the 17th century that France was able to firmly establish itself in this territory. Its strategic position at the mouth of the river of the same name made Cayenne a key point for trade and control over the colony. Initially, the economy was built on the export of sugar, coffee, and valuable timber produced on plantations.

A distinct and rather sombre mark was left on the history of Cayenne by its status as a place of exile and penal labour, which it acquired in the 19th century and maintained until the mid-20th century. Due to the harsh conditions and tropical diseases, this place received the ominous nickname "the dry guillotine". Many prisoners, even after serving their sentences, were obliged to remain in Guiana for life or for many years, which was part of the policy to populate the colony. The penal colony was finally closed only in 1946, but its legacy is still felt in the culture and history of the city.

Today, the centuries-old history of Cayenne is recalled by preserved examples of colonial architecture, Creole houses, and historic squares, such as the Place des Palmistes. Walking through its streets, one can trace the path from a small fort and the notorious penal colony to a modern city that is a unique fusion of European, African, and South American cultures.

Key Dates in the History of Cayenne

• 1643 — French colonists led by Charles Poncet de Brétigny found Fort Cépérou, marking the beginning of the modern city.
• 1664 — The city, destroyed by indigenous peoples, is rebuilt and named Cayenne.
• 1777 — Cayenne officially receives city status and becomes the administrative centre of the colony.
• 1809 — During the Napoleonic Wars, the city was temporarily occupied by Portuguese-British forces.
• 1817 — Following the Congress of Vienna, Cayenne finally returns to French control.
• 1854 — A law is passed officially establishing a penal colony for criminals from France in Guiana, with its centre in Cayenne.
• 1895 — Captain Alfred Dreyfus, whose case received huge public resonance, is exiled to the penal colony in Guiana.
• 1940 — A branch of the Pasteur Institute opens in Cayenne to study tropical diseases.
• 1946 — French Guiana receives the status of an overseas department of France, and the penal system is officially abolished.
• 1953 — The last prisoners of the penal colony receive their freedom.
• 1968 — Not far from Cayenne, in the city of Kourou, the Guiana Space Centre opens, giving a powerful impetus to the development of the region.

Stages of Development: From Penal Colony to Space

The history of Cayenne is a journey from a harsh colonial outpost to a modern administrative centre, reflecting unique economic and cultural transformations. Key stages have shaped the appearance and character of the city we see today.

• Centre of the Penal System (1854–1946): The establishment of the penal colony in Guiana, managed from Cayenne, radically changed the social and economic structure of the city. The forced labour of prisoners was used for construction and land development, and the policy of "doubling" the sentence, obliging former convicts to remain in the colony, contributed to the forced settlement of the region. This legacy left a sombre mark on the city's reputation but also shaped its demographics.
• Scientific Breakthrough in Medicine (1940): The opening of a branch of the famous Pasteur Institute in Cayenne was a major event for the entire region. Its activities were aimed at studying and combating tropical diseases, which were the main cause of high mortality. This laid the foundations for the modern healthcare system and improved the quality of life.
• Transition to Civil Development (1946): The abolition of the penal system and French Guiana obtaining the status of an overseas department of France became a turning point. This event marked the end of the era of forced labour and the beginning of the integration of the region into the economic and social system of France, giving impetus to the civil development of Cayenne.
• Space Era (from 1968): The construction of the Guiana Space Centre in neighbouring Kourou had a huge impact on the economy of Cayenne and all of Guiana. The emergence of the aerospace industry attracted investments and highly qualified specialists to the region, and contributed to the development of infrastructure, diversifying the economy, which was previously predominantly agrarian.
• Infrastructure Modernization (1970s – Present): Modernization was carried out to support the growing economy. A key project was the construction of the deep-water port of Dégrad des Cannes near Cayenne, which allowed for the export of shrimp, sugar cane products, and timber. The city strengthened its status as the main economic and logistical hub of the region.
• Formation of Creole Identity: For centuries, Cayenne has been a meeting place for many cultures: European, African, Amerindian, and Asian. This synthesis gave rise to a unique Creole culture, which is vividly manifested in language, cuisine, music, and the famous carnival. The formation of this distinctive identity is one of the city's most important cultural achievements.

The architectural appearance of Cayenne is a vivid reflection of its colonial history and Creole culture. The city cannot boast of Gothic or Renaissance styles; its development began later, but it represents a unique combination of European architectural traditions adapted to the tropical climate and distinctive local styles.

French Colonial Heritage

The foundation of the historic centre of Cayenne is French colonial architecture, predominantly in the style of classicism. It is characterized by symmetry, strict lines, and monumentality. These buildings were constructed as symbols of authority and order. Key features of this style, adapted to local conditions, include:

• Spacious verandas and balconies that create shade and provide ventilation.
• High ceilings and large windows with wooden shutters (jalousies) for protection from the sun and air circulation.
• The use of brick and stone for the construction of administrative buildings.

Iconic examples of this style are official buildings located along the main streets and squares. For example, the Prefect's Residence and the old building of the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), built by Jesuits, demonstrate characteristic features of the colonial era. Central squares, such as the Place des Palmistes, served as the core of the urban plan, around which the administrative and public centre was formed.

Creole Style — The Soul of the City

The most recognizable and colourful architectural phenomenon of Cayenne is the Creole style. It arose as a result of mixing French building traditions with local materials and needs. Creole houses are the living history of the city, shaping its unique atmosphere. Their main features:

• Wooden Construction: Most houses are built of wood, which was an accessible and practical material.
• Bright Colours: Facades are painted in rich, cheerful colours, giving the streets a festive look.
• Raised Ground Floor: Houses were often built on stilts or a high plinth for protection against floods and for better ventilation.
• Carved Decorative Elements: Balconies, window frames, and cornices are decorated with exquisite wood carving, demonstrating the skill of local craftsmen.

These charming houses can be seen throughout the historic centre, especially in the residential quarters adjacent to the central market and old canals, such as the Laussat Canal, the construction of which began back in 1777.

Modern Development

Since the mid-20th century, especially after the construction of the Guiana Space Centre, Cayenne began to develop actively. Modern apartment buildings and functional public buildings appeared in the city. New construction is carried out mainly on the outskirts, while the historic centre is carefully preserved. Thus, the urban development of Cayenne demonstrates the coexistence of rich colonial and Creole heritage with the requirements of modern life.

Distinguished Personalities from Cayenne

The capital of French Guiana, Cayenne, has become the birthplace of many talented people who have achieved recognition far beyond its borders. In politics, art, and sports, natives of this city have left a significant mark, inscribing their names in the history of France and the world.

• Félix Éboué (1884–1944): A politician and hero of the French Resistance. A native of Cayenne, Éboué became the first black Frenchman appointed to a high post in the colonial administration. During World War II, as Governor of Chad, he was one of the first to support Charles de Gaulle's "Free France" movement, which was of immense importance to the Resistance forces. In recognition of his merits, he became the first black figure to be buried in the Paris Panthéon.

• Gaston Monnerville (1897–1991): An outstanding politician and lawyer. The grandson of a slave, born in Cayenne, Monnerville had a brilliant career, serving as President of the French Senate for over 20 years (1947–1968). He was one of the key figures in 20th-century French politics, as well as a member of the Resistance movement.

• Henri Salvador (1917–2008): A singer, composer, and jazz musician. His career spanned more than seven decades, making him one of the most beloved artists of the French stage. Born in Cayenne, Salvador is considered one of the pioneers of French rock and popularizers of bossa nova in France. His song "Une chanson douce" became a classic.

• Christiane Taubira (born 1952): A modern politician who served as Minister of Justice of France. She is the author of the so-called "Taubira Law" (2001), which officially recognized the slave trade and slavery as a crime against humanity. Also, under her leadership in 2013, France adopted significant judicial and social reforms.

• Florent Malouda (born 1980): A world-renowned footballer. A native of Cayenne, Malouda achieved success with the club "Lyon", and then moved to London's "Chelsea", with whom he won the UEFA Champions League in 2012. As part of the French national team, he became a World Cup runner-up in 2006.

• Mike Maignan (born 1995): One of the world's leading football goalkeepers. He was also born in Cayenne and has had an impressive career. Maignan plays for the Italian club "Milan", with whom he became the champion of Italy, and is the main goalkeeper for the French national team, a winner of the UEFA Nations League.