History of Guadeloupe
From Native American remains to the abolition of slavery, the archipelago has a rich and vibrant history. A past that immerses you in an authentic experience.
The first inhabitants
Before the arrival of Europeans, the island, named "Karukera" or "the island of beautiful waters," was populated by the Arawaks and later the Kalinagos.
The Arawaks, who arrived from South America around 2,500 years ago, lived in harmony with nature, cultivating cassava and fishing in the clear waters. They were succeeded by the Kalinagos, formidable warriors and navigators who left their mark on the spiritual and cultural identity of the region.
The arrival of Chris…
…topher Columbus in 1493 upset this balance. European colonization led to conflict, epidemics, and slavery, sealing the tragic fate of the Native Americans.
However, their legacy lives on in place names such as Goyave and Karukera, agricultural techniques such as boucanage, and archaeological sites such as the Parc des Roches Gravées in Trois-Rivières.
European colonization
In the 17th century, Guadeloupe became a strategic asset for European powers. Colonized by France in 1635, it was coveted by England, which occupied it several times. The island prospered thanks to a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and tobacco, at the expense of enslaving Africans. The remains of this era, such as the ruins of sugar mills in Sainte-Rose and fortresses like Delgrès in Basse-Terre, bear witness to this prosperous period marked by human suffering. These structures tell the story of colonization and the heroic resistance that accompanied it.
The revolts and the abolition of slavery
With the arrival of the first African slaves in the 17th century, Guadeloupe entered a dark era in which economic exploitation was based on human suffering. The slaves, torn from their lands, nevertheless brought with them their traditions, their music such as gwo ka, and their resilience. The cry of "Live free or die," led by Louis Delgrès. He chose to die free rather than surrender, an act that still resonates today in the collective memory.
In 1802, Guadeloupe was the scene of heroic resistance against the reestablishment of slavery by Napoleon Bonaparte. These significant events are documented in historical accounts and local archives, highlighting the clashes between Delgrès' troops and Napoleon's forces. Sources such as the "Mémoires de la Guadeloupe" recall the importance of these acts of resistance in the struggle for freedom.
Louis Delgrès and Joseph Ignace stand as symbols of determination. The statues of Louis Delgrès, located in Saint Claude and Les Abymes, and that of Sonjé Inyas "Joseph Ignace", in Pointe-à-Pitre, honor their sacrifice.
While the first abolition in 1794 was short-lived, the definitive abolition in 1848, orchestrated by Victor Schoelcher, freed 87,000 slaves. This seminal moment, commemorated every May 27, is a pillar of Guadeloupean identity.
Cultural diversity : a mosaic of influences
The post-slavery period saw the arrival of Indian indentured laborers, who came to compensate for the lack of manpower on the plantations. Between 1854 and 1888, nearly 40,000 Indians enriched Guadeloupean culture with their religious traditions, temples, and cuisine, such as the famous colombo. African, European, and Amerindian influences blended to forge a unique identity, reflected in the Creole language, dances, and gastronomy.
This cultural mix was not limited to Native Americans. Chinese, Syrian, and Haitian communities also contributed to cultural diversity, each bringing their own practices and knowledge, from cuisine to commercial activities.
A fight for dignity : identity and political struggles
Guadeloupe became a French department in 1946 and has continued to defend its identity against assimilation. The events of May 1967, marked by demonstrations that were violently suppressed, demonstrate the strength of its inhabitants in their demand for social equality.
As proof, in May 1967, demonstrations for workers' rights were brutally suppressed in Pointe-à-Pitre. These events, triggered by wage demands and social inequalities, led to intervention by the police, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries. The Mé 67 mural, located in Pointe-à-Pitre, commemorates this tragedy and serves as a reminder of the importance of social struggles in improving living conditions in Guadeloupe. This tragic episode is immortalized by the Mé 67 mural, located in Pointe-à-Pitre. It illustrates the social struggles and recalls the sacrifices made for the rights of the people of Guadeloupe.
The 2009 general strike led by the LKP demonstrates this ongoing quest for social justice and autonomy. Figures such as Gerty Archimède, Guadeloupe's first female deputy, and Solitude, heroine of the resistance, embody this struggle for recognition and equality.
Today, the Guadeloupe Carnival, with its flamboyant costumes and frenzied rhythms, continues to celebrate this diverse identity. Creole culture is also celebrated by figures such as Vélo, nicknamed "the king of gwo ka," a master tambouyé. The statue of Marcel Lollia in Pointe-à-Pitre is a tribute to his role in passing on this traditional music.
A climate and seismic battle
While struggles for dignity and identity continue to shape Guadeloupe's social and cultural history, another battle is being fought on a natural level. Exposed to the vagaries of the climate and intense seismic activity, the archipelago faces devastating trials that highlight the remarkable resilience of its population.
Located in a seismic zone and exposed to hurricanes. Guadeloupe has faced numerous natural disasters, such as Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and the eruption of La Soufrière in 1976. These events, although devastating, have strengthened the resilience of the population. Prevention initiatives, such as the Antilles Earthquake Plan, demonstrate a commitment to protecting the archipelago while honoring its natural wealth.
Living history in memorial sites and trails
The "Chimen-trasé a patrimwan an nou" is a heritage trail located in Baie-Mahault, Guadeloupe, which symbolically retraces the route taken by Captain Joseph Ignace and his companions during the struggle for freedom in May 1802. This 4.6 km circuit, dotted with explanatory panels and commemorative steles, allows visitors to discover emblematic places linked to this historical period, including tributes to Louis Delgrès and the fighters of the time. The trail begins on Rue du 6 Mai 1802, in front of the Gérard Lockel Cultural Center, and ends at the Birmingham Nautical Center, offering an educational and commemorative immersion into the heart of Guadeloupean history.
"The journey our ancestors took is a lesson in hope and resilience for future generations," said a speaker at a recent commemoration of that journey, reminding us of the importance of passing on these memories.
Guadeloupe's participation in global conflicts is commemorated by sites such as the Pointe-à-Pitre War Memorial, inaugurated in 1924 during an official ceremony attended by local and metropolitan authorities. This monument honors Guadeloupean soldiers who fought and gave their lives for France. The engraved plaques serve as a reminder of the deep ties between the archipelago and mainland France.
"The memory of those who fought for our freedom is a flame that we must keep alive," according to a speech given at the monument's inauguration.
The iconic figure of Solitude, a mulatto woman who symbolized resistance to slavery, is honored with a statue. Solitude fought alongside Louis Delgrès before being captured and executed. Her statue, located in Pointe-à-Pitre, serves as a reminder of the crucial role women played in the struggle for freedom.
"She carried the voice of the oppressed within her, and even today, her courage inspires us," reads a plaque near her statue.
The role of historical figures in the French Resistance is also highlighted, notably with the statue of Félix Éboué in Pointe-à-Pitre. The first black governor of Guadeloupe, Éboué is a symbol of the fight against fascism and for equality.
Near the ACTe Memorial in Pointe-à-Pitre, the artistic sculpture created by Hervé Beuze in 2015 embodies the resilience of Afro-Caribbean peoples and their quest for freedom. This contemporary work invites deep reflection on the history of slavery and the struggles against oppression. The footbridge leading to Morne de la Mémoire, located in Pointe-à-Pitre, leads to a space dedicated to the memory of slaves. This symbolic and solemn place invites visitors to contemplate the past while celebrating the dignity and resilience of peoples. Finally, the Quai Mémorial ACTe, an extension of the Mémorial ACTe, is a place open to the sea that celebrates the lives and hopes of the victims of slavery.
Today, Guadeloupe's history is not confined to museums or books. It lives on in traditions, monuments, and the daily lives of its inhabitants. Statues of figures such as Louis Delgrès and Solitude, or places such as the Quai Mémorial ACTe, embody this living memory. Every visitor, walking along its beaches and mountains, becomes a witness to this vibrant past. So, whether you are looking for relaxation or authenticity, Guadeloupe invites you to explore not only its landscapes, but also its soul. Here you will find a universal lesson in courage, diversity, and hope.