Scarborough history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Scarborough as the island's main administrative centre began in 1769. It was then that the colonial government decided to move the capital of Tobago from neighbouring Georgetown to a new settlement by Rockly Bay. The city was named after the town of the same name in North Yorkshire, England, emphasizing the close connection with the mother country.

Key Factors of Establishment

Scarborough's transformation into a thriving city was driven by a combination of strategic and geographic advantages:

• Convenient Harbour: Its location on the shores of the deep-water Rockly Bay ensured safe anchorage for merchant vessels, which was vital for island trade.
• Military Significance: The high hill above the city became an ideal point for constructing defensive fortifications. In 1777, Fort King George was founded here, protecting the port and the city from attacks by sea.
• Political Status: The relocation of the House of Assembly here cemented the city's status as the centre of political power.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Scarborough's economy and culture were shaped by the colonial system and plantation farming:

• Trade Hub: The city served as the main export point for local goods — primarily sugar, cotton, and indigo, which were grown on the surrounding plantations.
• Architectural Appearance: The city was built in a traditional West Indian style with elements of Georgian architecture, adapted to the tropical climate.

Despite the change of European powers that owned the island (the city was also under French administration, when it was named Port Louis), Scarborough retained its role as Tobago's key economic node.

Major Milestones in the History of Scarborough

• 1769 — The capital of Tobago is officially moved from Georgetown to Scarborough, where the House of Assembly building was constructed.
• 1777 — Construction begins on Fort King George on a strategic height above the city to protect the harbour from enemy fleets.
• 1781 — During colonial wars, the city is captured by the French and temporarily renamed Port Louis.
• 1814 — Under the Treaty of Paris, Tobago finally comes under British rule, ensuring the stability of the city's development.
• 1889 — Tobago is administratively united with Trinidad, and Scarborough becomes a regional centre within the unified colony.
• 1952 — The Scarborough Botanical Garden is opened, becoming an important recreational area and landmark.
• 1962 — With the independence of Trinidad and Tobago, the city receives the status of the island's administrative centre in the new sovereign state.
• 1963 — The devastating Hurricane Flora causes significant damage to historical buildings, followed by a period of large-scale reconstruction.
• 1980 — The re-established Tobago House of Assembly (THA) begins work in Scarborough, returning local government functions to the city.
• 1991 — Construction of the deep-water harbour is completed, allowing the port to accommodate large international cruise liners.
• 2011 — The modern Shaw Park Cultural Complex opens, becoming the main venue for festivals and events on the island.

Stages of Development and Transformation of Scarborough

The evolution of Scarborough from a small colonial settlement to the modern administrative and tourist centre of Tobago passed through several key stages that defined its current appearance and economy:

• Capital Transfer and Formation of the Urban Grid (1769). The decision to move the administrative centre from Georgetown became a city-forming factor. It was then that the foundation of the street layout around Rockly Bay was laid, and the city began to accumulate administrative buildings, becoming the core of the "Lower Town".
• Creation of Defensive Infrastructure (Late 18th Century). The construction of Fort King George not only ensured the safety of trade routes but also formed the city's two-level structure. The garrison on the hill stimulated the development of the service and trade sectors at the foot of the hill, creating a historical link between the "military" top and the "commercial" bottom.
• Administrative Integration (1889). The union of Tobago with Trinidad changed Scarborough's status. From the capital of a separate colony, it turned into a regional centre, which required a restructuring of logistics and management to maintain constant communication with Port of Spain.
• Urban Renewal After the Elements (1963). Hurricane Flora became a turning point for the city's architecture. The destruction of old wooden structures forced a transition to the use of concrete and more stable structures, which significantly modernized the appearance of the streets and improved the safety of the housing stock.
• Political Recentralization (1980). The restoration of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) returned real political power to Scarborough. This led to the construction of new government offices and growth in employment in the administrative sector.
• Opening of the Deep-Water Port (1990s). The massive reconstruction of the harbour became the main economic driver of recent times. The ability to host large cruise liners reoriented the city's economy from agriculture to international tourism, stimulating the opening of shops, restaurants, and excursion bureaus.
• Development of Cultural Space (2011). The opening of the Shaw Park Cultural Complex marked the city's transformation into the cultural capital of the island. This facility gave Scarborough the opportunity to host large-scale festivals and conferences, attracting guests not only for the beaches but also for event tourism.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

Scarborough's architecture is an eclectic mix of colonial heritage and pragmatic modern construction. The urban structure is dictated by the complex terrain: from dense commercial buildings near the port to spacious administrative and historical zones on the hills.

The Colonial Era: Georgian Style and Fortification

The most significant historical monuments of the city date back to the period of British rule in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The architecture of this time was primarily utilitarian and defensive in nature.

• Georgian Style: The dominant direction for official buildings of that time. It is characterized by symmetry, strict proportions, and restrained decor.
• Iconic Object: The complex of buildings at Fort King George (1777). The officers' barracks, powder magazine, and prison are made of local stone and red brick, which was often brought from England as ship ballast. These structures feature thick walls and arched constructions designed to withstand both enemy attacks and tropical storms.

West Indian Style (Vernacular Architecture)

The civil development of the historic centre was shaped by the climate, creating a unique Caribbean architectural code.

• Style Features: The use of wooden structures on a stone plinth, wide verandas, overhanging eaves, and louvered windows to ensure natural ventilation.
• Fate of the Buildings: A significant part of the authentic wooden buildings ("gingerbread houses") was lost as a result of the devastating Hurricane Flora in 1963, but individual elements of this style can still be found in old residential quarters.

Modern Stage: Functionalism and Concrete

After 1963, the approach to construction changed radically. The priority became seismic and wind resistance, which led to a massive transition to reinforced concrete structures.

• Caribbean Modernism: Administrative and public buildings of the second half of the 20th century, such as the Tobago House of Assembly offices or the city library, are executed in a concise style with an emphasis on functionality. These feature simple geometric shapes, flat or low-pitched roofs, and the use of sun-shading grilles.
• Contemporary Architecture (21st Century): A striking example of the latest development is the Shaw Park Cultural Complex. This large-scale structure combines modern materials (glass, metal) with elements integrated into the surrounding landscape, symbolizing the city's new status as the island's cultural capital.

Urban Zoning

The urban fabric of Scarborough is clearly divided vertically:

• Lower Town (Port Zone): A chaotic and dense grid of narrow streets adjacent to the harbour. Trade, the market, and transport hubs are concentrated here.
• Upper Scarborough: Located on high ground. Government institutions, the hospital, and the historical fort are located here, offering a panoramic view of the city, which historically ensured control over the territory.

Distinguished Personalities of Scarborough and Tobago

Scarborough, as the administrative and cultural centre of the island, is inextricably linked with the destinies of people who have left a bright mark on the history of not only Trinidad and Tobago but the entire world. Here is a list of the most significant figures:

• Arthur N.R. Robinson (A.N.R. Robinson)
  Politician, Prime Minister, and President
  A native of Calder Hall (a suburb of Scarborough). The only person to have held both of the highest offices in the state (President and Prime Minister). On the international stage, he is known as the initiator of the creation of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Tobago International Airport, located near the city, bears his name.
• Dwight Yorke
  Footballer, Sports Ambassador
  A legend of world football and Manchester United. Although he was born in another settlement on the island, his sporting career is closely linked to the development of sports in the region. The island's main stadium, located in the Scarborough suburb of Bacolet, is named in his honour — the Dwight Yorke Stadium.
• Calypso Rose (McCartha Lewis)
  Singer, Composer
  The undisputed "Calypso Queen", born in the village of Bethel but who began her path to fame on the stages of Tobago. She became the first woman to win the prestigious "Calypso Monarch" title and brought fame to the island's culture worldwide.
• Winston Bailey (Mighty Shadow)
  Musician, Calypsonian
  Raised in Les Coteaux (near Scarborough), he became a revolutionary in the calypso and soca genres. His unique style and rhythms had a huge influence on Caribbean music in the 20th century.
• Keith Rowley
  Politician, Volcanologist
  Born in Mason Hall, in the immediate vicinity of Scarborough. Before his political career, which led him to the post of Prime Minister of the country, he was a renowned geologist and volcanologist who studied the seismic activity of the region.
• Carlton Robert Ottley (C.R. Ottley)
  Historian, Writer
  A man who dedicated his life to preserving the history of Tobago. The author of numerous books on the folklore and past of the island. His works are the primary source of knowledge about the development of Scarborough and Fort King George during the colonial period.