Pointe-à-Pitre history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Pointe-à-Pitre is closely tied to the colonial past of Guadeloupe. Although French authorities had long considered the strategic advantage of the location by the "Salt River" (Rivière Salée), which separates the islands of Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, early attempts to establish a settlement here were unsuccessful due to the swampy terrain. The official date of the city's foundation is considered to be 1764, when active construction and settlement began by order of Governor Gabriel de Clieu. According to one version, the city owes its unusual name to a Dutch sailor named Peter, whose wharf ("pointe") was located in this area in the 17th century.

Key Factors of Development

Several factors contributed to the rapid growth of Pointe-à-Pitre. Firstly, its geographical position was ideal: the city is located in the centre of Guadeloupe, and the deep and sheltered bay of Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin became the foundation for creating a major seaport. Secondly, the city quickly turned into the main commercial hub of the archipelago. Exports of sugar and other colonial commodities passed through its port. In the 18th century, the city was also known as a place where pirates and privateers found refuge, adding a specific character to its history.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The early history of Pointe-à-Pitre was full of dramatic events: the city repeatedly suffered from severe fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes, which affected its architectural appearance. Despite this, it always recovered and continued to develop as the economic capital of Guadeloupe. Culturally, the city represented a melting pot where European, African, and Caribbean traditions blended. This was reflected in its colonial-style architecture, lively markets such as Saint-Antoine, and local Creole cuisine. From the very beginning, Pointe-à-Pitre was not just a port, but a vibrant and dynamic centre of the island's social life.

Chronology of Key Events

The history of Pointe-à-Pitre is a sequence of rapid development, devastating catastrophes, and rebirth. The city has repeatedly changed its appearance but has always remained the heart of Guadeloupe's economic life.

• 1759 — During the British occupation, engineers drain the swamps and create the first plan for the future city.
• 1764 — The city is officially founded by order of the French Governor Gabriel de Clieu after Guadeloupe is returned to France.
• 1772 — The settlement officially receives the name Pointe-à-Pitre.
• 1780 — A severe fire almost completely destroys the young city, after which its first large-scale reconstruction begins.
• 1794 — The city becomes a battleground when revolutionary commissioner Victor Hugues recaptures Guadeloupe from the British and proclaims the first abolition of slavery.
• 1843 — A powerful earthquake completely destroys Pointe-à-Pitre, claiming thousands of lives and wiping all structures off the face of the earth.
• 27 May 1848 — The final abolition of slavery in Guadeloupe, leading to significant social and economic changes in the city.
• 1850, 1871, 1931 — A series of major fires once again causes serious damage to the urban fabric.
• 1865, 1928 — Destructive hurricanes strike the city, with the cyclone of 1928 almost completely annihilating it.
• After 1928 — A new stage in the city's history begins under the guidance of architect Ali Tur, who restores many buildings, giving Pointe-à-Pitre a modern look using concrete.
• 1971 — The Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (Le Raizet) opens, facilitating the development of tourism.
• 2015 — On the site of a former sugar factory, the Mémorial ACTe opens, one of the world's largest memorial complexes and museums dedicated to the history of the slave trade.

Key Milestones in the Development of Pointe-à-Pitre

The story of Pointe-à-Pitre is a tale of transforming swampy terrain into the economic heart of Guadeloupe. The city has endured many trials, but each one only strengthened its significance for the archipelago. Below are the main stages that defined its modern appearance and status.

• Foundation and Establishment of the Port Centre (1764). The official founding of the city under Governor Gabriel de Clieu marked the beginning of its development as a major trade hub. Thanks to its strategic location in a sheltered bay, Pointe-à-Pitre quickly became a key port for the export of sugar and colonial goods, which determined its economic prosperity for many years.
• Abolition of Slavery (1848). The decree abolishing slavery fundamentally changed the social and economic structure of the city. This event led to the transformation of labour relations and initiated the formation of a new Creole society, the culture of which is today the hallmark of Pointe-à-Pitre. The city houses the museum of Victor Schoelcher, a key figure in the fight for the abolition of slavery in France.
• Cycles of Destruction and Architectural Rebirth (19th-20th centuries). The city repeatedly suffered from natural disasters, including the devastating earthquake of 1843 and the hurricane of 1928. These tragedies, however, stimulated urban planning innovations. After the 1928 hurricane, architect Ali Tur led a massive reconstruction, introducing the use of reinforced concrete. This not only helped create more resilient buildings but also formed a unique architectural style combining colonial motifs with Art Deco elements.
• Development of Transport Infrastructure (1971). The opening of the Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (Le Raizet) was a turning point in the city's modern history. The airport connected Guadeloupe with the world, giving a powerful boost to tourism development and strengthening Pointe-à-Pitre's position as an important transport hub in the Caribbean region.
• Creation of Mémorial ACTe (2015). The opening of the memorial complex dedicated to the history of the slave trade became a landmark cultural event. Located on the site of a former sugar factory, this modern museum centre is not only an important place of remembrance but has also transformed the city's waterfront, turning it into an attraction point for tourists and residents.

The architecture of Pointe-à-Pitre is a visual chronicle of its turbulent history, where every new stage of development was dictated by the need for recovery after natural disasters. Almost no buildings from the early colonial period remain in the city's appearance due to numerous fires and earthquakes, yet its urban planning structure still preserves traces of the past.

Colonial Foundation and 19th Century Eclecticism

The initial layout of the city, established in the 18th century, represents a classic colonial grid of straight streets. After the devastating earthquake of 1843 and subsequent fires, the city began to rebuild. During this period, more durable materials replaced short-lived wooden structures. The 19th-century architecture in Pointe-à-Pitre is eclectic: here you can find elegant residential houses in colonial style with carved balconies and intricate elements, neighbouring utilitarian structures. A striking example of engineering thought from that era is the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (Église Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul), built in the early 19th century and known for its unique anti-seismic metal structure.

The Era of Art Deco and Ali Tur's Modernism

A defining influence on the modern look of Pointe-à-Pitre was the large-scale reconstruction following the destructive hurricane of 1928. The restoration was led by French architect Ali Tur, who actively introduced the use of reinforced concrete — a material capable of withstanding the elements. Within a short period, he designed and built about a hundred public and private buildings throughout Guadeloupe. His style — tropical modernism with Art Deco elements — became the city's calling card. Ali Tur's buildings, such as the Palace of Justice, the market, and other administrative structures, are distinguished by functionality, clean geometric lines, and characteristic ventilation grilles, perfectly suited for the hot climate.

Modern Iconic Architecture

In the 21st century, the city's architectural landscape was enriched by an ultra-modern object of global significance. In 2015, the Mémorial ACTe opened on the site of a former sugar factory — a memorial complex and museum dedicated to the history of the slave trade. This impressive structure, designed by the Guadeloupean architectural firm Berthelot/Mocka-Célestine, represents a "black box" of granite, shrouded in a silver metal lattice that symbolizes the roots of fig trees growing on ruins. The building, which has become a new symbol of Pointe-à-Pitre, is visible from afar and resembles a beacon guiding the way into the bay.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Pointe-à-Pitre

Pointe-à-Pitre, the economic capital of Guadeloupe, has been the birthplace of many talented and influential people whose achievements have been recognized far beyond the Caribbean. From literature to sports, here are just a few names that have inscribed the city's history into a global context.

• Saint-John Perse — Poet and diplomat, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1960. Born Alexis Leger, he was born in Pointe-à-Pitre in 1887. His poetry, filled with images of the Caribbean Sea and exotic nature, had a significant influence on 20th-century world literature. The city hosts a museum dedicated to his life and work.
• Maryse Condé — A world-renowned writer born in Pointe-à-Pitre in 1934. In her novels, she explored themes of colonialism, identity, and the legacy of slavery. In 2018, she was awarded the prestigious Alternative Nobel Prize in Literature.
• Lilian Thuram — A legendary French footballer born in Pointe-à-Pitre in 1972. As part of the French national team, he became a World Champion in 1998 and a European Champion in 2000. Thuram is a legendary defender who long held the record for the number of matches for the national team (142 games) until his record was surpassed by Hugo Lloris in 2022. He is also known for his active social work against racism.
• Teddy Riner — One of the most titled judokas in history, born in Pointe-à-Pitre in 1989. He is a multiple Olympic champion and more than ten-time world champion in the heavyweight category. His sporting achievements have brought fame to Guadeloupe worldwide.
• Gerty Archimède — Lawyer, politician, and one of the first female deputies from Guadeloupe in the French National Assembly. Born in 1909, she became the first female lawyer in Guadeloupe and dedicated her life to fighting for women's rights and social justice. Her contribution to the political life of the island and France is immense.