History of Sainte Marie

The history of Sainte Marie (also known as Nosy Boraha) is inextricably linked to the eras of great navigators and adventurers. Initially inhabited by local tribes, this island off the east coast of Madagascar gained global fame in the 17th and 18th centuries, becoming the legendary capital of piracy in the Indian Ocean.

Foundation and First Mentions

The settlement has no specific founding date as it developed spontaneously. However, the key period in the island's chronicles is considered to be the late 17th century, when European corsairs chose this location as their main base. According to legends, this was the site of the mythical pirate republic of Libertalia, where laws of equality and brotherhood reigned.

Key Factors of Development

Several circumstances contributed to the transformation of Sainte Marie into an important historical and trading hub:

• Geography: A rugged coastline with deep bays protected from storms created ideal conditions for the covert anchoring and repair of sailing vessels.
• Trade Routes: Its location near the routes used by ships returning from the East Indies to Europe laden with spices and silk attracted those wishing to control maritime traffic.
• Political Status: In 1750, the local ruler, Queen Bétia, officially transferred sovereignty over the island to France. This event made Sainte Marie the first French outpost in the region, long before the colonization of the "Big Island".

Early Cultural and Economic Features

A unique feature of early society was the close intertwining of cultures. Many sailors remained on the shore permanently, creating families with local women, which led to the formation of a distinct ethnic group. The economy, initially built on maritime raids and the trade of trophies, eventually reoriented towards agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cloves and vanilla, which became symbols of local prosperity.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1506: Portuguese navigators discover the island on the Feast of the Assumption and name it Santa Maria.
• 1685: Pirate Adam Baldridge establishes a fortified trading base on the island, marking the beginning of the golden age of piracy.
• 1698: The famous Captain William Kidd visits Sainte Marie, which by this time has become a haven for hundreds of sea robbers.
• 1750: Queen Bétia signs a treaty with France, officially placing the island under the protection of the French Crown.
• 1753: An uprising of local residents breaks out, forcing the French administration to temporarily leave the island.
• 1818: The French restore control over the territory and appoint Sylvain Roux as commandant to manage the settlement.
• 1857: Construction of the first Catholic church in Madagascar is completed in the island's main town; it remains active to this day.
• 1896: The island is administratively joined to the French colony of Madagascar, losing its separate status.
• 1942: During World War II, British troops temporarily occupy the island as part of an operation to prevent Japanese influence in the region.
• 1960: With the proclamation of independence of the Malagasy Republic, the island becomes part of the new sovereign state.
• 2015: The first Whale Festival is held, becoming a major annual event attracting tourists from all over the world.

Stages of Development and Key Transformations

The history of Sainte Marie is a journey from a pirate harbour to a centre of ecological tourism. Each era has left its mark on the architecture, economy, and culture of the island, shaping its modern appearance.

• Establishment of a Pirate Trading Base (Late 17th Century)
  The transformation of the island into an international hub for the exchange of goods. This time laid the economic foundation of the settlement and contributed to the formation of a unique ethnic group that combined local traditions with European customs.
• Establishment of the Protectorate (1750)
  The official transfer of sovereignty to France made the island the first European-style administrative outpost in the region. This event determined the vector of urban development and the legal system long before changes occurred on the "mainland".
• Construction of Notre Dame de l’Assomption Church (1857)
  The erection of the first stone Catholic church in Madagascar in the town of Ambodifotatra. The building became not only an important religious centre but also a major architectural landmark around which the urban landscape was formed.
• Development of Plantation Agriculture (19th Century)
  The introduction of clove and vanilla cultivation radically transformed the economy. The island shifted from spontaneous trade to the systematic export of spices, which required the expansion of port infrastructure and warehousing facilities.
• Administrative Integration (1896)
  The inclusion of Sainte Marie into the general administrative system of Madagascar unified economic ties. This simplified logistics and passenger transport with the main island, strengthening trade exchange.
• Orientation towards Eco-tourism (Late 20th – Early 21st Century)
  A shift in economic course towards the hospitality sector. The popularization of humpback whale watching led to the construction of hotels, the modernization of the airport, and the emergence of annual cultural festivals that have become the destination's calling card.

The architectural appearance of Sainte Marie was formed under the influence of two powerful factors: the tropical climate and the prolonged French presence. Unlike large mainland cities, there are no grand Baroque or Art Nouveau ensembles here. The urban fabric of the island is a harmonious combination of utilitarian colonial buildings, historical ruins, and traditional Malagasy dwellings.

Historical Eras and Architectural Styles

The development of the main settlement, Ambodifotatra, and its surroundings clearly reflects the changing historical periods:

• The Pirate Era (17th–18th Centuries): No permanent buildings remain from this time, as corsairs built primarily wooden fortifications and temporary dwellings. The "architectural" heritage of this period can be considered the landscape organization of the Pirate Cemetery with its characteristic tombstones executed in a rough, archaic manner.
• Colonial Period (19th – Mid-20th Century): The main stage of stone construction. The dominant style is colonial functionalism. Buildings of this era are distinguished by massive walls made of coral stone or brick, high roofs, and the mandatory presence of verandas for protection from the sun and heavy rains.
• Traditional Architecture (Timeless): Parallel to stone construction, local vernacular architecture has always existed—huts made of wood and leaves of the "Traveler's Tree" (Ravenala), which continue to shape the appearance of villages outside the administrative centre today.

Landmark Buildings and Structures

Despite the intimate scale of the town, the island has preserved objects of high historical and architectural value for all of Madagascar:

• Church of Notre Dame de l’Assomption (1857): The oldest Catholic church in the country. Its architecture traces features of restrained classicism with elements of neo-gothic (lancet openings). The building is constructed of hewn stone, and the interior is adorned with a unique cast-iron altar—a gift from the French Empress Eugénie.
• Îlot Madame Complex: A historical district on a small islet connected to the port by a causeway. This was the location of the French administration's residence. The buildings are designed in a strict colonial style, emphasizing their official status. Today, museums and government institutions are located here.
• The Old Fort: Ruined remains of fortifications on a hill, erected in the mid-18th century. Although the structure is partially destroyed, it provides insight into the military engineering solutions of that time used to defend the harbour.

The island's history is rich with the names of adventurers, monarchs, and navigators. The fates of European corsairs and African rulers intertwined here, forming the unique heritage of Sainte Marie.

• Adam Baldridge
  Pirate, trader, and de facto ruler of the island in the late 17th century.
  Founder of the first fortified base on the island. He turned a quiet harbour into a thriving trading port where pirates could sell their loot and replenish supplies. His activities laid the foundation for the "Golden Age" of piracy in the region.
• Ratsimilaho
  King and founder of the Betsimisaraka confederation.
  Son of the English pirate Thomas White and a local princess. Thanks to his mixed heritage and charisma, he managed to unite the scattered tribes of the east coast of Madagascar into a powerful state entity, ensuring a period of stability for the region.
• William Kidd
  Famous privateer and pirate.
  One of the most iconic figures of maritime robbery. Captain Kidd visited the island repeatedly to repair his ship, the "Adventure Galley". His presence cemented the status of these shores as a safe haven for gentlemen of fortune.
• Queen Bétia
  Ruler of the island in the mid-18th century.
  Daughter of King Ratsimilaho. She went down in history as the monarch who voluntarily transferred sovereignty over the island to France in 1750. This diplomatic step made the territory the first French protectorate in the Indian Ocean.
• Thomas White
  Pirate of British origin.
  A vivid example of a corsair who chose a settled life. He married a local princess from the Zafy-Ramini clan, becoming the progenitor of a new dynasty. His story symbolizes the close fusion of European and Malagasy cultures.
• Jean-Onésime Filet "La Bigorne"
  French adventurer and diplomat.
  Advisor and favourite of Queen Bétia. He played a decisive role in the negotiations for the annexation of the island to France, using his personal influence on the queen to advance the interests of the European power.
• Olivier Levasseur
  Pirate known by the nickname "La Buse" (The Buzzard).
  A legendary robber whose name is surrounded by mysteries and myths about hidden treasures. The island served as one of his key bases for rest and refitting between raids.
• Sylvain Roux
  French commandant and administrator.
  Led the mission to restore French control over the island in 1818. Under his leadership, active construction of stone administrative buildings and the development of plantation agriculture began.