History Saint Martin

 Historical dates

In November 1493, discovery of the island by Christopher Columbus.
In 1637, occupation by French buccaneers who take possession of the island in the name of Louis XIII. They are immediately pushed out by the Dutch.
In 1640, the Spaniards seize the island.
In 1648, The Spaniards spontaneously leave. Arrival of Dutch and French settlers.
Two runners leave in opposite directions from one point on the coast. The departure point and meeting point define the borderline between Sint-Marteen and Saint-Martin.
On March 13, 1648, signing of the partition treaty of "Mount Concordia".
In 1674, administrative annexation of the French zone to Guadeloupe.
In 1794, invasion of the whole island by the English.
In 1796, liberation of the island by Victor Hugues who hands the southern part back to Holland.
In 1848, abolition of slavery on the French side.
In 1863, abolition of slavery on the Dutch side.
In 1943, Saint Martin becomes a district of the French departement of Guadeloupe. Opening of Princess Juliana airport.
In September 1995, hurricanes Luis and Marilyn devastate the island.
December 7th, 2003: Guadeloupe refuses the institutional reform plan suggested by the elected representatives. Saint Barthelemy chooses to stop being one of Guadeloupe's communes to become a fully-fledged Overseas Community. From then on, decisions concerning this territory are directly agreed on by Saint Martin and mainland France.