Belvedere Plantation
Belvedere Plantation, located near Oyster Pond, is one of the few surviving examples of St. Maarten’s plantation era.
Originally established during the height of the island’s sugar industry, the plantation played a significant role in the local economy.
Following the abolition of slavery in 1863, Belvedere Plantation, like many others, faced economic hardship. However, unlike many other estates that were abandoned or fell into ruin, Belvedere managed to survive by diversifying its agricultural activities. The plantation house and surrounding buildings are now part of a residential development, but they retain much of their historical charm, serving as a reminder of the island’s complex past.
References: St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation, St. Maarten Museum