Saint Pierre history

The city of Saint Pierre, the administrative centre of the archipelago of the same name, possesses a rich history closely tied to the exploration of the North Atlantic by European powers. Its development was defined by its advantageous geographical location and the struggle for control over abundant fishery resources.

Although the islands were visited by European fishermen, primarily Basques, Bretons, and Normans, from the beginning of the 16th century, the official history of the city begins with the expeditions of great navigators. Key dates in early history include 1520, when the Portuguese explorer João Álvares Fagundes presumably landed on the islands, and 1536, when the French navigator Jacques Cartier declared the archipelago a possession of France and gave it its current name in honour of Saint Peter — the patron saint of fishermen. The first permanent French settlements, from which the city of Saint Pierre eventually grew, appeared here at the end of the 17th century.

The further formation of the city was driven by several decisive factors. Firstly, its strategic location near the rich fishing grounds of the Grand Banks made Saint Pierre an important base for European fishing fleets. Secondly, for centuries, the economy depended almost entirely on the harvesting and processing of cod. Thirdly, the city's history is inextricably linked to political struggle: from the early 18th century until 1815, the islands were an arena of constant conflict between France and Great Britain, repeatedly changing hands. The territory was finally secured for France only after the Napoleonic Wars.

Initially, the culture and economy of Saint Pierre were formed under the influence of its French roots and the maritime trade. The founders of the city were immigrants from French regions — Brittany, Normandy, and the Basque Country, which is still reflected in the local culture today. In the early 20th century, the economy experienced a brief but turbulent boom during the "Prohibition" era in the USA (1920–1933), when Saint Pierre became a key hub for alcohol smuggling into North America. This period brought temporary prosperity to the islands, which, however, ended with the repeal of the ban.

Key Dates in the History of Saint Pierre

The history of Saint Pierre is a kaleidoscope of events reflecting the struggle of European powers for influence in the North Atlantic. From early discoveries to gaining its modern status, the city has travelled a long and eventful path.

• 1520 — Portuguese navigator João Álvares Fagundes lands on the islands.
• 1536 — French explorer Jacques Cartier declares the archipelago a possession of France and names it in honour of Saint Peter.
• End of 17th century — The first permanent French settlements, consisting of fishermen, appear.
• 1713 — Under the Treaty of Utrecht, France cedes the islands to Great Britain.
• 1763 — The Treaty of Paris returns Saint Pierre and Miquelon to French control.
• 1778 — During the American Revolutionary War, British troops destroy the colony and deport the French population.
• 1793 — The British capture Saint Pierre again, and the French population is expelled once more.
• 1815 — After the Napoleonic Wars, under the Treaty of Paris, the islands are finally and permanently secured for France.
• 1920–1933 — During "Prohibition" in the USA, Saint Pierre becomes a hub for alcohol smuggling, causing a rapid but short-lived economic upturn.
• 1941 — During World War II, "Free France" forces under the command of Charles de Gaulle liberate the archipelago from the control of the Vichy regime.
• 1976 — The archipelago receives the status of an Overseas Department of France.
• 1985 — The territory's status is changed to "Territorial Collectivity," granting it greater autonomy.
• 1992 — An international arbitration court resolves the maritime boundary dispute with Canada, leading to a reduction in the islands' exclusive economic zone.

Stages of City Development

The development of Saint Pierre is a story of adaptation to changing economic and political conditions. The city has transformed repeatedly, moving from a fishing centre to an important transit hub and, finally, to a unique tourist destination.

• Rise of the Fishing Capital (19th Century): After being permanently secured for France in 1815, Saint Pierre turned into a key base for French fishermen harvesting cod on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. All city life and infrastructure were centred around the port, which serviced hundreds of fishing vessels. This period defined the architectural appearance and maritime character of the city for many years.
• The "Prohibition" Era (1920–1933): During the ban on alcohol in the USA, Saint Pierre experienced a short but incredibly turbulent economic boom. The city became the main centre for the smuggling of spirits into North America. New warehouses were built, the harbour was constantly filled with ships, and vast sums of money flowed into the economy, leading to temporary prosperity and population growth.
• Strengthening French Identity (1941): During World War II, the archipelago's transition to the control of Charles de Gaulle's "Free France" became a significant cultural and political event. This act not only confirmed the residents' loyalty to France but also strengthened their unique identity as a "Little France" off the shores of America.
• Fisheries Crisis and Economic Diversification (End of 20th Century): A sharp reduction in cod fishing quotas and the maritime boundary dispute with Canada in 1992 led to the collapse of the traditional economy. This forced the city to seek new paths for development. The main sources of income became government subsidies, public service, and emerging tourism.
• Acquiring Overseas Collectivity Status (1985): The change in administrative status to "Overseas Collectivity" granted the islands greater autonomy in resolving local issues. This allowed local authorities to manage the economy more effectively, develop infrastructure, and implement projects to preserve cultural heritage.
• Tourism Development (Early 21st Century): In response to economic challenges, Saint Pierre placed a bet on tourism. The city actively promotes its uniqueness: colourful wooden houses, French cuisine, distinct culture, and history. Historic buildings have been restored, museums created, and tourist routes developed to attract travellers seeking unusual experiences.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning of Saint Pierre

The architecture of Saint Pierre is a unique phenomenon shaped by a harsh climate, French colonial heritage, and the city's maritime history. You will not find majestic examples of Gothic, Renaissance, or Baroque styles typical of old Europe here. Instead, the city offers a distinctive and colourful vernacular style driven by practicality and the cultural traditions of the settlers.

Key Architectural Features: Colour and Wood

The dominant architectural style of Saint Pierre is a variation of Northern French and Basque coastal architecture, adapted to local conditions. Its main feature is the vibrant wooden houses. The use of wood as the primary building material was dictated by practical considerations, while the tradition of painting facades in rich colours (yellow, blue, red, green) has several explanations: it helped sailors distinguish houses in the frequent fog and served as a way to lift spirits in the harsh climate. Buildings often have steep roofs to protect against snow and wind.

Landmark Buildings and Districts

Although there are no monumental structures of global significance in Saint Pierre, certain buildings and districts clearly reflect the stages of its development:

• Historic Centre and Port: The urban structure of the city historically formed around the port, which was and remains its heart. Narrow streets and houses standing close to one another recall the fishing villages of Brittany and Normandy.
• Saint Pierre Cathedral: The current cathedral building was rebuilt in the early 20th century after a fire. Its appearance combines elements of Neoclassicism and Neo-Gothic, but in a simplified, restrained form appropriate to the city's scale.
• Prohibition Era Warehouses: In the 1920s, during the "Prohibition" era in the USA, numerous warehouses (entrepôts) were built in Saint Pierre for the storage of alcohol. These utilitarian structures are still part of the cityscape and serve as a reminder of the turbulent smuggling past.
• L'Arche Musée et Archives: This modern building, housing the museum and archives, represents an example of modernist architecture. It contrasts with the historic development and symbolises the new, post-fishing era in the economy and culture of the islands.

Thus, the urban development of Saint Pierre did not follow the path of creating grandiose ensembles, but rather through functional adaptation to changing economic realities — from fishing and smuggling to a modern administrative and tourist centre that has preserved its unique and colourful appearance.

Notable Figures Associated with Saint Pierre

Despite its modest size, Saint Pierre can boast connections to a number of interesting historical and contemporary figures. Their destinies reflect the unique position of the archipelago at the crossroads of French and North American history.

• Jacques Cartier (1491–1557) — Famous French navigator. Although he was not a native of the islands, his role in their history is fundamental. In 1536, during his second expedition to North America, he declared the archipelago a possession of France and named it in honour of Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen.
• Albert Calmette (1863–1933) — Distinguished French physician, bacteriologist, and immunologist. He is known as one of the creators of the BCG tuberculosis vaccine. In the 1890s, Calmette founded and led the Pasteur Institute in Saigon, but prior to that, he served for several years as a doctor on Saint Pierre and Miquelon, where he studied local diseases related to fishing.
• Émile Muselier (1882–1965) — French Vice-Admiral, a key figure in the "Free France" movement. In December 1941, he led the operation to join Saint Pierre and Miquelon to General de Gaulle's forces, liberating the archipelago from the control of the Vichy regime. This event became an important symbolic act in the history of the French Resistance.
• Al Capone (1899–1947) — Legendary American gangster. His connection to Saint Pierre is indirect but extremely important for the city's history. During the "Prohibition" years in the USA (1920–1933), the archipelago became a major centre for alcohol smuggling into North America, and it was through Saint Pierre that huge shipments of spirits passed, controlled by syndicates, including Capone's organisation.
• Françoise Enguehard (born 1957) — Renowned writer and journalist, a native of Saint Pierre. In her novels, such as "Les Litanies de l'Île-aux-Chiens" (The Litanies of the Island of Dogs), she explores the history, culture, and identity of the archipelago's inhabitants. Her work makes a significant contribution to preserving the cultural heritage of Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
• Denis Kang (born 1977) — Professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter. He was born in Saint Pierre and holds Canadian citizenship. Kang has competed in prestigious organisations such as PRIDE, UFC, and K-1, and is one of the most famous athletes born on the archipelago.