St. George's history

The history of St. George's is a fascinating chronicle of colonial ambitions, strategic location, and economic development that has shaped the appearance of Grenada's modern capital.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city was founded by French colonists in 1650 on the shores of a picturesque and well-protected bay. Initially, the settlement was named Fort Royal and was fortified to protect the harbour. After the island came under the control of the British Empire in the 18th century, the city was renamed St. George's in honour of Saint George, the patron saint of England, and became the key administrative centre of the colony.

Key Factors of Formation

• Geography: Its location in a deep-water, horseshoe-shaped harbour situated on the slopes of an extinct volcano made the city an ideal seaport and a strategic military point.
• Trade: St. George's quickly turned into an important trading hub. In the 19th century, it became a famous port for the export of spices, primarily nutmeg. Thanks to this, Grenada came to be known as the "Isle of Spice".
• Political Power: The city was an arena of struggle between France and Great Britain for control over Grenada. After the final transition to British rule in 1783, St. George's consolidated its status as the capital, and since 1974, it has been the capital of independent Grenada.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The city's early economy was based on plantation farming, initially growing sugar cane and indigo. Following the abolition of slavery and the drop in sugar prices, the economy reoriented towards the production of cocoa and nutmeg. The architectural appearance of the city reflects its rich past: narrow streets descending like an amphitheatre to the port, and ancient forts towering over the bay, preserve the memory of the French and British periods. The city has repeatedly suffered from severe fires and hurricanes, yet it has been restored each time, preserving its unique Caribbean charm.

Chronology of Key Events

• 1650: French colonists found a settlement named Fort Royal, which would subsequently become St. George's.
• 1763: Following the Seven Years' War, the island of Grenada comes under British control, and the city receives a British administration.
• 1775: A severe fire destroys most of the city's wooden structures, leading to the commencement of construction using stone and brick.
• 1779: France temporarily recaptures Grenada during the American War of Independence.
• 1783: The Treaty of Versailles officially returns Grenada to the British Crown, and the city is permanently renamed St. George's.
• 1885: St. George's becomes the capital of the British colony of the Windward Islands.
• 1955: The destructive Hurricane Janet causes serious damage to the city and the island, destroying up to 50% of the housing stock and a significant portion of the nutmeg plantations.
• 7 February 1974: Grenada declares independence from Great Britain, and St. George's becomes the capital of the new sovereign state.
• 25 October 1983: The city becomes the central arena of events during Operation Urgent Fury — an invasion by forces from the USA and several Caribbean nations.
• 7 September 2004: Hurricane Ivan, one of the most powerful in the region's history, passes through Grenada, damaging or destroying up to 90% of the buildings in St. George's.

Key Stages in the Development of St. George's

The development of St. George's is a story of transformations driven by changing colonial powers, economic shifts, and natural cataclysms. These events have formed the unique architectural and cultural appearance of Grenada's modern capital.

• Transition to British Rule (1763-1783): After the Seven Years' War, the city finally passed from France to Great Britain. This marked the beginning of its modern appearance: French street planning was complemented by British Georgian architecture, which remains a hallmark of the historic centre. The city became a key administrative outpost of the empire in the region.
• Reconstruction after Fires (Late 18th Century): A series of devastating fires, particularly in 1775, destroyed most wooden structures. As a result, new building regulations were introduced, mandating the use of stone and brick. This not only made the city safer but also created its famous architectural style with tiled roofs.
• Becoming the "Spice Capital" (19th Century): The city's economy transformed following the decline of sugar production. St. George's became a major global port for the export of nutmeg, cocoa, and other spices, bringing Grenada worldwide fame as the "Isle of Spice". This defined the city's economic development for more than a century.
• Administrative Centre of the Windward Islands (1885–1958): During this period, St. George's was the capital of the entire colony of the British Windward Islands, which elevated its political status and led to the construction of new administrative buildings and infrastructure development.
• Capital of Independent Grenada (Since 1974): The declaration of independence was a crucial milestone in the city's history. St. George's transformed from a colonial centre into the capital of a sovereign state, housing the national government, parliament, and other state institutions.
• Recovery from Hurricane Ivan (2004): The hurricane caused catastrophic damage, affecting about 90% of buildings. The subsequent large-scale reconstruction led to the modernisation of infrastructure, the implementation of stricter building standards, and the renewal of the urban landscape, while preserving its historical charm.
• Development of Cruise Tourism (21st Century): The construction of a modern cruise terminal turned St. George's into a popular port of call for liners from around the world. Tourism has become one of the key sectors of the economy, stimulating the development of services, restaurants, and souvenir markets in the Carenage waterfront area.

The architectural appearance of St. George's represents a vivid example of the Caribbean colonial style, harmoniously combining French urban planning heritage and British Georgian architecture, adapted for the tropical climate.

French Heritage and Layout

The initial layout of the city, established by the French in the mid-17th century, has been preserved to this day. Narrow streets, descending like an amphitheatre down the hillsides to the horseshoe-shaped harbour of the Carenage, are a direct legacy of the city's founders. Such a structure was dictated not only by aesthetics but also by practical considerations of defence and ease of access to the port.

British Georgian Style

After coming under British control and following destructive fires in the late 18th century, the principles of Georgian architecture began to dominate the city. This era gifted St. George's its recognisable look: two- and three-storey warehouses and townhouses made of brick and stone with characteristic red tiled roofs. This decision was made to prevent future fires, which had destroyed the original wooden structures. Striking examples of this style still form the built environment along the waterfront and on adjacent streets.

Creole Adaptations and Iconic Structures

Over time, the strict British style was complemented by local, Creole features. Verandas, balconies with intricate metal or wooden railings, and bright facade colours appeared, giving the city a unique Caribbean flavour. Among the iconic structures shaping the capital's skyline, the forts towering over the city stand out — primarily Fort George, built in the early 18th century. The architectural ensemble is also complemented by historic churches, such as the Catholic cathedral and the Anglican church, which are important historical and visual landmarks of the city.

Modern Development

Urban development in the 20th and 21st centuries was largely associated with recovery from destructive hurricanes, particularly "Ivan" in 2004. Reconstruction was carried out with a focus on preserving the historical style, but using modern construction technologies more resilient to the elements. The development of tourism also influenced the appearance of the coastal zone, where a modern cruise terminal was built, organically integrated into the historic landscape of the harbour.

Distinguished Figures Associated with St. George's

The capital of Grenada has been and remains home to many distinguished individuals whose activities have left a significant mark on the history, politics, culture, and sports not only of the country but of the entire Caribbean region.

• Julien Fédon — An 18th-century rebellion leader. Being a planter of mixed heritage, he led a massive uprising against British colonial rule in 1795. Although the rebellion was suppressed, Fédon became a symbol of the struggle for freedom and justice in Grenada's history.
• Theophilus Albert Marryshow — Politician and journalist (1887–1958). Known as the "Father of the West Indies Federation", he was one of the key campaigners for self-governance and the integration of the Caribbean islands. His home in St. George's, known as Marryshow House, is today part of the University of the West Indies campus.
• Herbert Blaize — Political figure (1918–1989). He held the posts of Chief Minister, Premier, and Prime Minister of Grenada during different periods of its history. Blaize was one of the central figures in the country's political life in the second half of the 20th century and led the government after the events of 1983.
• Maurice Bishop — Politician and revolutionary leader (1944–1983). Head of the People's Revolutionary Government of Grenada from 1979 to 1983. His government implemented a number of social reforms in the country. Bishop remains one of the most significant and discussed figures in modern Grenadian history.
• Jennifer Hosten — Public figure, diplomat (born 1947). Born in St. George's, she made history by becoming the first woman from Grenada to win the title of "Miss World" in 1970. Subsequently, she worked as a diplomat representing Grenada in Canada and was involved in international development.
• Kirani James — Track and field athlete (born 1992). Specialising in the 400 metres, he became the first and only Olympic medallist in the history of Grenada, winning the gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. James is a national hero and one of the most famous athletes from the Caribbean.