The island was already inhabited by the Carib Indians, who had migrated from the South American mainland, killing or enslaving the peaceful Arawaks who where already inhabiting the island. The Amerindians called their island Camerhogue, but Columbus renamed the island Concepcion. However,passing Spanish sailors found its lush green hills so evocative of Andalusia that they rejected this name in favor of Granada. Christopher Columbus discovered Grenada in 1498. The French then called it La Grenade, and the British followed suit, changing Grenade to Grenada (pronounced Gre-nay-da).
Agressive defence of the island by the Caribs prevented settlement by Europeans until the 17th century. In 1609 some Englishmen tried and failed, followed by a group of Frenchmen in 1638, but it was not until 1650 that a French expedition from Martinique landed and made initial friendly contact with the inhabitants.
The French struggled unsuccessfully to keep the island from falling into the hands of the British for the next ninety years. Fort George and Fort Frederick, which still command the heights overlooking St. George's harbour, are relics of that fight. Having gained stable possession of Grenada, the British immediately imported large numbers of slaves from Africa and established sugar plantations.
However, British control was seriously challenged once again, this time by Julian Fedon, a black planter inspired by the French Revolution in 1795,. Under Fedon's leadership, the island's slaves rose up in a violent rebellion, effectively taking control of Grenada. Although the rebellion was crushed by the British, tensions remained high until slavery was abolished in 1834. The site of Fedon's Camp, high up in Grenada's beautiful central mountains, is today a popular destination for hikers.
Grenada became a Crown Colony in 1877 , and it became an associate state within the British Commonwealth before gaining independence in 1974. Despite the island's long history of British rule, the island's French heritage (both colonial and revolutionary) survives in its place names, its buildings, and its strong Catholicism.
In 1979, an attempt was made to set up a socialist/communist state in Grenada. Four years later, at the request of the Governor General, the United States, Jamaica, and the Eastern Caribbean States intervened militarily. Launching their now famous "rescue mission," the allied forces restored order, and in December of 1984 a general election re-established democratic government.
Grenadian culture is a mixture of British, African, West Indian and French influences. Though the majority of Grenadians are Roman Catholic and a French-African patois is spoken by some.
African Creole influences come to the fore during Carnival, and a general resurgence of black pride is visible in the widespread practice of giving African names to Grenadian children. Carriacou has a unique folk troupe that performs the African-influenced Big Drum Dance, centered around the playing of drums made of small rum kegs covered with goatskin. On Grenada, steel band and calypso music are popular. The official language is English, and though the majority are Roman Catholic, there are plenty of Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian churches.
Although Grenada is still largely known as the turf on which the US military made one of its more blustery stands in the name of democracy in the 1980s, savvy Caribbean travelers know Grenada as a colorful, robust travel destination that's wonderfully rough around the edges. Dubbed the 'Spice Island' because of its impressive production of nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, ginger and cloves, it has a rugged mountainous interior of rainforests and waterfalls and an indented coastline with protected bays and beaches. Its capital, St George's, has one of the prettiest harbor settings in the Caribbean.
Tourist infrastructure is still generally small-scale and locally owned, offering a good balance between comfort and price, making Grenada a great getaway for those travelers wanting to avoid the Caribbean resort experience. The secret to a successful visit to Grenada is to mix up the beach (in)activity with getting out and about in the island's interior with a good pair of hiking boots.
Although Grenada is still largely known as the turf on which the US military made one of its more blustery stands in the name of democracy in the 1980s, savvy Caribbean travelers know Grenada as a colorful, robust travel destination that's wonderfully rough around the edges. Dubbed the 'Spice Island' because of its impressive production of nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, ginger and cloves, it has a rugged mountainous interior of rainforests and waterfalls and an indented coastline with protected bays and beaches. Its capital, St George's, has one of the prettiest harbor settings in the Caribbean.
Tourist infrastructure is still generally small-scale and locally owned, offering a good balance between comfort and price, making Grenada a great getaway for those travelers wanting to avoid the Caribbean resort experience. The secret to a successful visit to Grenada is to mix up the beach (in)activity with getting out and about in the island's interior with a good pair of hiking boots.
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