Salt Industry: Pre-Columbian to Colonial

The salt ponds of St. Martin, particularly those near Great Bay, have been a significant feature of the island’s landscape for centuries. These natural formations were not only important in pre-Columbian times but also played a crucial role in the island’s economy during the colonial period. Archaeological evidence suggests that the island’s pre-Columbian inhabitants utilized these salt ponds for food preservation, a practice essential for sustaining their communities.

The strategic location of settlements near these ponds indicates their importance in daily life. During the colonial era, the salt industry became one of the most valuable economic activities on the island, with salt being harvested and exported to other regions.

The transformation of the salt ponds from a resource used by indigenous peoples to a major colonial industry reflects broader changes in the island’s social and economic landscape. The continued sandbar formation and changes in coastal geography influenced the size and productivity of these ponds, making them a dynamic aspect of St. Martin’s environment.

The historical significance of the salt ponds is highlighted by their role in both pre-Columbian and colonial times, serving as a link between the island’s ancient past and its more recent history.

References: Sypkens Smit, M.P., Versteeg, A.H. (1982). Preliminary Report on the Archaeology of St. Martin. Hartog, J. (1964). A Short History of Sint Maarten and Saint Martin.