The 11 Changes in Control Over St. Maarten (1746-1819)

11 Control Changes Over St. Maarten

Between 1746 and 1819, St. Martin experienced a tumultuous period marked by 11 changes in control as European powers vied for dominance over the island.

This era of frequent shifts in governance saw the island pass between French, British, and Dutch control, each leaving its mark on St. Martin’s political, economic, and social landscape.

The instability during this period led to fluctuations in population, economic disruptions, and challenges in maintaining order.

Despite these upheavals, the island’s strategic importance in the Caribbean ensured that it remained a contested and valuable possession throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries.

References: St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation, St. Maarten Museum.