St. Martin’s Natural Defenses: The Role of Bays and Lagoons in Pre-Columbian Settlements

Natural Defenses in Settlements

The natural features of St. Martin, particularly its bays and lagoons, played a critical role in the settlement patterns of the island’s pre-Columbian inhabitants. These geographical features provided natural defenses, abundant resources, and strategic locations for settlement, making them ideal sites for the establishment of communities.

Simpson Bay Lagoon and Great Bay are two prime examples of how the island’s natural landscape influenced human activity. The lagoon, with its calm waters and rich marine life, offered a safe harbor and a reliable source of food, while Great Bay provided access to the open sea, facilitating trade and communication with other islands.

The archaeological reconnaissance conducted by M.P. Sypkens Smit and A.H. Versteeg between 1979 and 1981 uncovered evidence of settlements in these areas, highlighting their importance in the island’s pre-Columbian society. These bays and lagoons not only served as protective barriers against storms and potential invaders but also supported a wide range of subsistence activities, including fishing, shellfish gathering, and salt production.

The presence of natural resources like fertile land and fresh water further enhanced their suitability for long-term habitation. The strategic use of bays and lagoons reflects the adaptability and ingenuity of St. Martin’s early inhabitants, who leveraged the island’s natural defenses to create sustainable communities in a challenging environment.

References: Sypkens Smit, M.P., Versteeg, A.H. (1982). An Archaeological Reconnaissance of St. Martin. Westermann, J. & De Palm, J. (1985). Environmental History of the Lesser Antilles.