St Eustatius
Statia is far from mass tourism, so do not expect to find a lot of shopping, miles of sandy beaches or a hopping night life.
However, she is full of peaceful and protected nature great for divers, hikers, and history enthusiasts.
As part of the Dutch Caribbean, safety and security are self-evident and, the locals are pleasantly friendly.
On just 11 square miles you'll find 2 volcanoes, 21 forts and outposts, a botanical garden, over a dozen hiking trails in Quill and Boven National Parks, old cemeteries, a restored old town and a marine park containing some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean. Here is an overview of our little paradise.
Population: 3,500
Currency: US dollars
Hospitalities:
Over 10 restaurants
4 hotels with less than 100 rooms
1 bank
Medical center
Hyperbaric chamber on Saba and on emergency boat in Statia waters
Nice weather year-round
A little history
St. Eustatius is located north of Saint Kitts, south east of Saba and south of Saint Maarten/St. Martin. She has a volcanic origin, with capital Oranjestad overlooking the protected bay where the remnants of the past are concentrated above and below water. Since October 10, 2010 Saint Eustatius is one of three municipalities of the Netherlands, along with Bonaire and Saba, forming the Caribbean Netherlands, BES islands.
The island was sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1493. It was colonized by the French then recovered by the Dutch then the English. Statia changed hands 22 times. In the 18th century, the island had a significant development with the cultivation of sugar cane which brought many slaves from Africa. It was at this time that the Blue Beads first appeared. These served as currencies for trade for slaves. The story says that when the slaves were emancipated, they tossed these beads off the cliffs and into the ocean. Though no longer prolific, they can still be found occasionally. Maybe you will find one during one of your dives !!
St. Eustatius was a hub of trade between America and Europe during which time her harbor was one of the most active in the world with 150 to 200 ships anchored at a time. (some are now underwater!!). During this period her nicknamed was "The Golden Rock" thanks to this flourishing economy. At the peak of its power, St. Eustatius had 20,000 inhabitants but this population has reduced to count 3500 inhabitants today.
Statia also played a vital role in the independence of the United States by supplying weapons and ammunition during the American Revolution. St. Eustatius was the first international power to acknowledge the newly independent United States of America on November 16, 1776 with a cannon salute to the US Ship Andrew Doria. This date is still celebrated each year on November 16th as "Statia Day."
