Terre-de-Haut history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Terre-de-Haut dates back to the Age of Discovery. The island, part of the Les Saintes archipelago, was discovered by Christopher Columbus on November 4, 1493, during his second expedition. The navigator named the group of islands "Los Santos" in honour of All Saints' Day.

Actual settlement of the territory began significantly later, in 1648, when the first French colonists arrived. From this moment, the formation of a permanent settlement began, developing under the aegis of the French administration.

Key Development Factors

The development of Terre-de-Haut followed a unique scenario, distinct from many other Caribbean settlements, due to several factors:

• Strategic Geography: The island possesses a magnificent natural harbour. The Bay of Les Saintes is considered one of the most beautiful and protected in the world, which predetermined the island's role as an important maritime outpost.
• Military Significance: Due to its convenient location at the entrance to the Guadeloupe archipelago, Terre-de-Haut became a key point for defence and surveillance of sea routes, leading to the construction of fortifications such as Fort Napoleon.
• Soil and Climate Specifics: The hilly terrain and arid climate made large-scale sugar cane cultivation impossible, sparing the island from the establishment of large plantations.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Terre-de-Haut formed around the sea. Since agriculture was limited, the local inhabitants, primarily originating from Brittany, Normandy, and Poitou, focused on fishing and seafaring.

It was here that the tradition of building the famous "saintoise" boats was born, which were ideally suited for manoeuvring in local waters. The absence of large plantations contributed to the formation of a specific way of life, where the leading role was played by hereditary fishermen and sailors, whose traditions and crafts have been preserved to this day.

Key Historical Milestones

• 1493: Christopher Columbus discovers the archipelago during his second expedition and names it "Los Santos".
• 1648: The first French settlers arrive on the island at the initiative of the Governor of Guadeloupe, Charles Houël, marking the beginning of colonisation.
• 1666: The French successfully repel an attack by the English fleet, strengthening their position in the region.
• 1782: The famous "Battle of the Saintes" takes place in the coastal waters—a major naval engagement between Great Britain and France.
• 1809: The island temporarily comes under the control of British troops, who hold it for several years.
• 1816: Terre-de-Haut finally returns to French jurisdiction under the terms of the Treaty of Paris.
• 1844: Construction of Fort Napoleon begins on the ruins of an old fortification to protect the strategically important bay.
• 1867: Work is completed on the erection of Fort Napoleon, which was subsequently used as a garrison and prison.
• 1871: A quarantine station (lazaret) is created on the nearby islet of Îlet à Cabrit for ships arriving in Guadeloupe.
• 1882: An administrative reform takes place, resulting in the archipelago being divided into two independent communes: Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas.
• 1903: The use of Fort Napoleon for military purposes ceases, after which it remains abandoned for a long time.
• 1973: An initiative group begins a large-scale restoration of Fort Napoleon, transforming it into a museum of history and culture.
• 1975: Fort Napoleon officially receives the status of a historical monument of France.
• 1980s: Rapid growth of the tourism industry begins, becoming the basis of the commune's economy instead of traditional fishing.

Stages of Development and Transformation of Terre-de-Haut

The development of the commune followed a unique path, dictated by geographical isolation and a lack of fresh water. Below are the key milestones that defined the modern appearance and lifestyle of the island.

• Formation of Maritime Specialisation (17th–18th Centuries)
  Unlike Guadeloupe (Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre), the arid climate of Terre-de-Haut did not allow for the development of sugar cane plantations.
  Significance: The economy completely reoriented towards fishing and coastal navigation. This formed a unique society consisting of hereditary sailors rather than planters and labourers, which distinguishes the island's cultural code from the rest of the archipelago.
• Construction of Defensive Architecture (Mid-19th Century)
  The erection of the stone Fort Napoleon on the site of wooden fortifications became the main urban planning project of the era.
  Significance: The fortress not only strengthened the island's status as the "Gibraltar of the Antilles" but also created an architectural landmark that is today the most visited historical monument in the region.
• Administrative Division (1882)
  Official separation from the neighbouring island of Terre-de-Bas and the creation of its own town hall.
  Significance: This event launched independent budget management and infrastructure development, oriented specifically towards the needs of the compact settlement around the main bay, rather than scattered rural communities.
• Evolution of the "Saintoise" Boat (19th–20th Centuries)
  Local craftsmen perfected the design of the traditional fishing boat, adapting it to the complex currents of the channel.
  Significance: The Saintoise boat became not only the main tool of the economy but also a cultural symbol. The transition from sail to motor in the mid-20th century allowed the trade to remain efficient, and traditional races on these boats became the foundation of event tourism.
• Cultural Revitalisation (1973)
  The beginning of the large-scale restoration of the abandoned Fort Napoleon by volunteers from the "Club du Vieux Manoir".
  Significance: This was a turning point in shifting the paradigm: from utilitarian use of the territory to heritage preservation. The creation of a museum and an exotic garden inside the fort laid the foundation for excursion tourism.
• Infrastructure Breakthrough: Water Supply (1990s)
  The laying of an underwater pipeline connecting the island to Guadeloupe's water supply system (Capès Dolé).
  Significance: Until this moment, the town's development was constrained by water scarcity (residents relied on rain cisterns). Constant access to fresh water allowed for the modernisation of hotels and restaurants and significantly improved the quality of life for the local population.
• Tourism Boom and Gentrification (Late 20th — Early 21st Century)
  Transformation of the island into an elite resort with the development of a yacht marina and restrictions on vehicular transport.
  Significance: The economy completely restructured to serve guests. The urban environment adapted for pedestrians and electric transport (golf carts), while traditional Creole houses became a carefully protected architectural brand attracting travellers.

Urban Planning Features

The architectural appearance of Terre-de-Haut was shaped by the complex terrain and a shortage of flat areas. The main development is historically concentrated along the sheltered bay, forming the linear structure of the main settlement—Le Bourg. Narrow streets, wedged between the sea and the hills, create an intimate atmosphere where modern high-rise buildings are practically absent, and the scale of buildings is human-centric.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The town's appearance intertwines severe military functionality with the vibrancy of local residential buildings:

• Military Architecture and Colonial Style (19th Century)
  Represented by monumental stone structures created to defend the strategic harbour. The style is characterised by strict forms, the use of local volcanic stone and limestone, as well as thick walls capable of withstanding bombardment.
• Traditional Creole Style (Late 19th Century — Present)
  This is the island's calling card. Residential architecture is represented by wooden houses (cases créoles), which are ideally adapted to the tropical climate.
  Key Features:
  • Hipped roofs with a steep slope for rain drainage.
  • Bright, contrasting colours of facades and shutters.
  • Carved wooden cornices (lambrequins) decorating the roof eaves.
  • A system of louvres/shutters for cross-ventilation of rooms.

Iconic Buildings and Structures

The architectural landmarks of Terre-de-Haut serve not only as historical monuments but also as important reference points:

• Fort Napoleon: An example of mid-19th-century fortification art. Built on the site of an old fortification, it combines bastion system principles with engineering solutions for collecting rainwater.
• Church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption: A temple built from volcanic stone. Its architecture is distinguished by the modesty characteristic of parish churches in French colonies, and the bell tower serves as a vertical dominance in the village of Le Bourg.
• Port Lighthouse (Phare du Port): An example of utilitarian maritime architecture located on the cape at the entrance to the bay.
• "The Boat House" (Maison Bateau): A unique example of 20th-century private architecture. The building, the prow of which mimics the bow of a ship, has become one of the most photographed objects on the island due to its unusual modernist design.

Historical Figures and Famous Names

The history of Terre-de-Haut is inextricably linked with the names of great navigators, military commanders, and local enthusiasts who shaped the island's appearance.

• Christopher Columbus (Cristoforo Colombo)
  Discoverer, Navigator
  A key figure in the history of the archipelago. It was he who discovered this group of islands in November 1493 and gave them the name "Los Santos", which subsequently transformed into the French "Les Saintes". This event marked the beginning of the European presence in the region.
• Charles Houël
  Governor of Guadeloupe, Coloniser
  The initiator of the island's settlement. In 1648, he organised the arrival of the first French families on Terre-de-Haut, laying the foundations for a permanent settlement and securing this territory for the French Crown.
• François Joseph Paul de Grasse
  Admiral of the French Navy
  Commanded the French squadron in the famous "Battle of the Saintes" (1782) against the British. Despite the defeat, his name is forever inscribed in the military history of the island's waters, and his battle tactics are still studied by historians.
• George Brydges Rodney
  British Admiral
  The victor in the naval battle of 1782, which unfolded in the waters between Terre-de-Haut and Dominica. His victory temporarily changed the balance of power in the Caribbean Basin, and historical places associated with the British occupation period are often named after him.
• Napoleon III (Napoléon III)
  Emperor of France
  Although the Emperor did not visit the island personally, his influence on the architectural appearance of Terre-de-Haut is immense. It was during his reign and by his decree that the famous Fort Napoleon was erected, becoming the main attraction and symbol of the island today.
• Adolphe Catan
  Physician, Photographer, and Creator of the "Boat House"
  An outstanding personality of the 20th century. In 1942, he built the unique "Boat House" (Maison Bateau) on a cape in the bay, gifting the island one of its most recognisable architectural symbols. He is also known as a photographer who documented the life of Guadeloupe in the middle of the last century.