Pigeon Island National Park St. Lucia
Pigeon Island, these days a bit of a misnomer thanks to a causeway that has connected the area to the mainland since 1971, is one of St. Lucia’s most beautiful and interesting points of interest.
Pigeon Island has been an integral part of St. Lucian history since the very beginning and is one of the most fascinating destinations for travelers to visit. Here, we will explore the fascinating history of Pigeon Island, as well as taking a look at what it’s like today.
Pigeon Island has been an integral part of St. Lucian history since the very beginning and is one of the most fascinating destinations for travelers to visit. Here, we will explore the fascinating history of Pigeon Island, as well as taking a look at what it’s like today.
The History of Pigeon Island
As far back as recorded history goes, the island of St. Lucia was inhabited by the Caribs, the Arawaks, and the Amerindians. The Caribs were dominant on the island, and are regarded as being quite fierce in battle. Many battles took place for control of the island of St. Lucia, with Pigeon Island serving as a sort of base for invading forces. One notable group of Europeans to try to claim St. Lucia was a band of pirates led by Francois Le Clerc, or Jambe de Bois (which means “peg leg”, due to his wooden leg). Jambe de Bois led a crew of over 300 European men who tried to settle St. Lucia, using Pigeon Island as the base from which they attacked ships coming from Spain.
But de Bois wasn’t the only person in St. Lucia’s brutal history to take advantage of Pigeon Island and the views that it offered. The British, during their attempts to seize control of St. Lucia, fortified Pigeon Island and used it to spy on the French who were on Maritinique... an island still visible on a clear day from Pigeon Island. Likewise, the French also built and manned forts on Pigeon Island during their attempts to control and settle St. Lucia.
One of the main forts on Pigeon Island is Fort Rodney, built in 1778 by British Admiral George Rodney. Along with other forts, such as Signal Hill, these fortifications allowed the British to gather information in incoming troops and vessels. Cannons and fortifications still remain as a testament to the island’s history, but today the area is stunningly beautiful- a stark contrast to when Rodney ordered all trees removed to provide a better vantage point.
This contrast is a beautiful metaphor for how the island of St. Lucia has gone from brutal battleground to a welcoming land for residents and travelers alike. In all, there were many battles for the heart of St. Lucia- seven times French and seven times British (both of whom controlled the island at different points in its history), as they say, but the island eventually fell into the control of the British until becoming an independent state in 1979.
Of course, the forts aren’t the only historical points on Pigeon Island. In 1909, a whaling station was established on the island, which operated until whaling was restricted in 1952. The island was also leased for a few years in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s to a D’Oyle Carte Theatre actress named Josset Agnes Hutchinson. She remained on Pigeon Island until a US Naval Base was constructed in nearby Rodney Bay, and returned to the area in the late 40’s with a fervent interest in yachting.
Yachting is now one of the things Rodney Bay is best known for. By entertaining guests and bringing the wealthy and elite to St. Lucia, she helped establish it as a sort of tropical paradise for travelers- something the island has been building on ever since. Interestingly, while touring the park at Pigeon Island, you can see the remains of Hutchinson’s home.
While much of the history of Pigeon Island is steeped in war and violence, its beauty and modern amenities help create a stark contrast that appreciates what the island once was while also highlighting what St. Lucia is today- a land of beauty, peace, and welcome for people from all over the globe. The St. Lucia National Trust owns the property today and offers tours that encompass both the history of Pigeon Island and modern hiking trails, picnic areas, and more.
As far back as recorded history goes, the island of St. Lucia was inhabited by the Caribs, the Arawaks, and the Amerindians. The Caribs were dominant on the island, and are regarded as being quite fierce in battle. Many battles took place for control of the island of St. Lucia, with Pigeon Island serving as a sort of base for invading forces. One notable group of Europeans to try to claim St. Lucia was a band of pirates led by Francois Le Clerc, or Jambe de Bois (which means “peg leg”, due to his wooden leg). Jambe de Bois led a crew of over 300 European men who tried to settle St. Lucia, using Pigeon Island as the base from which they attacked ships coming from Spain.
But de Bois wasn’t the only person in St. Lucia’s brutal history to take advantage of Pigeon Island and the views that it offered. The British, during their attempts to seize control of St. Lucia, fortified Pigeon Island and used it to spy on the French who were on Maritinique... an island still visible on a clear day from Pigeon Island. Likewise, the French also built and manned forts on Pigeon Island during their attempts to control and settle St. Lucia.
One of the main forts on Pigeon Island is Fort Rodney, built in 1778 by British Admiral George Rodney. Along with other forts, such as Signal Hill, these fortifications allowed the British to gather information in incoming troops and vessels. Cannons and fortifications still remain as a testament to the island’s history, but today the area is stunningly beautiful- a stark contrast to when Rodney ordered all trees removed to provide a better vantage point.
This contrast is a beautiful metaphor for how the island of St. Lucia has gone from brutal battleground to a welcoming land for residents and travelers alike. In all, there were many battles for the heart of St. Lucia- seven times French and seven times British (both of whom controlled the island at different points in its history), as they say, but the island eventually fell into the control of the British until becoming an independent state in 1979.
Of course, the forts aren’t the only historical points on Pigeon Island. In 1909, a whaling station was established on the island, which operated until whaling was restricted in 1952. The island was also leased for a few years in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s to a D’Oyle Carte Theatre actress named Josset Agnes Hutchinson. She remained on Pigeon Island until a US Naval Base was constructed in nearby Rodney Bay, and returned to the area in the late 40’s with a fervent interest in yachting.
Yachting is now one of the things Rodney Bay is best known for. By entertaining guests and bringing the wealthy and elite to St. Lucia, she helped establish it as a sort of tropical paradise for travelers- something the island has been building on ever since. Interestingly, while touring the park at Pigeon Island, you can see the remains of Hutchinson’s home.
While much of the history of Pigeon Island is steeped in war and violence, its beauty and modern amenities help create a stark contrast that appreciates what the island once was while also highlighting what St. Lucia is today- a land of beauty, peace, and welcome for people from all over the globe. The St. Lucia National Trust owns the property today and offers tours that encompass both the history of Pigeon Island and modern hiking trails, picnic areas, and more.
Where Once Was Battle, Now Is Music
While war may have once been at the heart of St. Lucia, today this beautiful island’s soul is more apparent in its culture. While the vibrant culture of St. Lucia is visible everywhere from the brightly colored fishing shacks to the Gros Islet Street Party, nowhere is it more apparent than the annual St. Lucia Jazz Festival held annually on Pigeon Island.
Including such events as the Roots & Soul Festival and July’s St. Lucia Carnival, the St. Lucia Jazz Festival has played host to such international music acts as Mary J. Blige, UB40, Rihanna, Elton John, and many more. Even during such big events, however, the focus is almost constantly on just how breathtaking this historic part of the island is.
While war may have once been at the heart of St. Lucia, today this beautiful island’s soul is more apparent in its culture. While the vibrant culture of St. Lucia is visible everywhere from the brightly colored fishing shacks to the Gros Islet Street Party, nowhere is it more apparent than the annual St. Lucia Jazz Festival held annually on Pigeon Island.
Including such events as the Roots & Soul Festival and July’s St. Lucia Carnival, the St. Lucia Jazz Festival has played host to such international music acts as Mary J. Blige, UB40, Rihanna, Elton John, and many more. Even during such big events, however, the focus is almost constantly on just how breathtaking this historic part of the island is.
Pigeon Island St. Lucia – A Year Round Attraction
While the St. Lucia Jazz Festival may draw huge crowds to Pigeon Island, there is something to see, do, and enjoy in the area 365 days a year, and for an admission and tour fee of only $8 USD, Pigeon Island is pretty hard to pass up for a day of entertainment. If hiking is your thing, there are two peaks on offer- Fort Rodney, measuring 225 feet and Signal Peak, measuring 330 feet.
The trails and property also allow you to explore military ruins, and the view from the top of Signal Peak offers incredible views of the island, the Atlantic, and the Caribbean- rivaled only from the views at the top of Gros and Petit Piton- both of which can be seen from Pigeon Island! If you like hiking, but want to avoid the steep peaks, Pigeon Island offers 44 acres of greenery with nature trails that take you through almost all of it.
As a note- if beautiful nature trails are your thing, you’ll also want to check out the Tet Paul Nature Trail in the historic former capital of St. Lucia, Soufriere. Also in Soufriere is Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, where you can see beautiful rainforest flora, take a dip in a waterfall, and more. Of course, if out of the ordinary is your thing, you can also check out Soufriere’s Sulphur Springs and take a dip in a real volcanic mud bath!
Of course, if relaxation is more your thing, Pigeon Island still has you covered. With not one, but two remarkably secluded beaches that are open year-round, it’s easy to get away and find some sand to yourself, especially mid-week, and the clear water and white sand are ideal for a romantic getaway.
In fact, Pigeon Island is quite popular as a St. Lucia wedding destination. The island lends itself naturally to incredible photography shoots, whether you want romantic beachside photos or awe-inspiring photographs taken inside centuries-old ruins. And after you relax- consider Pigeon Island National Park’s Barnacles Restaurant- the food alone makes it worth the trip!
While the St. Lucia Jazz Festival may draw huge crowds to Pigeon Island, there is something to see, do, and enjoy in the area 365 days a year, and for an admission and tour fee of only $8 USD, Pigeon Island is pretty hard to pass up for a day of entertainment. If hiking is your thing, there are two peaks on offer- Fort Rodney, measuring 225 feet and Signal Peak, measuring 330 feet.
The trails and property also allow you to explore military ruins, and the view from the top of Signal Peak offers incredible views of the island, the Atlantic, and the Caribbean- rivaled only from the views at the top of Gros and Petit Piton- both of which can be seen from Pigeon Island! If you like hiking, but want to avoid the steep peaks, Pigeon Island offers 44 acres of greenery with nature trails that take you through almost all of it.
As a note- if beautiful nature trails are your thing, you’ll also want to check out the Tet Paul Nature Trail in the historic former capital of St. Lucia, Soufriere. Also in Soufriere is Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, where you can see beautiful rainforest flora, take a dip in a waterfall, and more. Of course, if out of the ordinary is your thing, you can also check out Soufriere’s Sulphur Springs and take a dip in a real volcanic mud bath!
Of course, if relaxation is more your thing, Pigeon Island still has you covered. With not one, but two remarkably secluded beaches that are open year-round, it’s easy to get away and find some sand to yourself, especially mid-week, and the clear water and white sand are ideal for a romantic getaway.
In fact, Pigeon Island is quite popular as a St. Lucia wedding destination. The island lends itself naturally to incredible photography shoots, whether you want romantic beachside photos or awe-inspiring photographs taken inside centuries-old ruins. And after you relax- consider Pigeon Island National Park’s Barnacles Restaurant- the food alone makes it worth the trip!
Pigeon Island Is An Attraction You Simply Shouldn’t Miss
Simply put, Pigeon Island is a unique combination of modern attraction and historical point. Whether you are focused on enjoying the moment or learning about St. Lucia’s interesting past, you will find it here. Pigeon Island is at once a testament to everything St. Lucia used to be in her journey to independence and an icon of everything it is today with its warm heart that embraces global travelers. If you’re looking to explore the true heart of St. Lucia, be sure to include Pigeon Island in your vacation.e
Simply put, Pigeon Island is a unique combination of modern attraction and historical point. Whether you are focused on enjoying the moment or learning about St. Lucia’s interesting past, you will find it here. Pigeon Island is at once a testament to everything St. Lucia used to be in her journey to independence and an icon of everything it is today with its warm heart that embraces global travelers. If you’re looking to explore the true heart of St. Lucia, be sure to include Pigeon Island in your vacation.e
