About St. Eustatius

St. Eustatius, affectionately known as “Statia,” is a 21-square-kilometer island in the Dutch Caribbean. Though often overlooked today, during the 17th and 18th centuries, it was one of the most important ports in the world.

Its strategic location, deep harbor, and neutrality under Dutch control allowed it to flourish as a trading hub, earning it the nickname “The Golden Rock.” Merchants from Europe, Africa, and the Americas converged on Statia to trade sugar, slaves, arms, and other goods that fueled the colonial economies.

Another fascinating chapter in St. Eustatius’ history is its role in the American Revolutionary War. In 1776, Statia became the first foreign entity to formally recognize the newly declared United States. When the American ship Andrew Doria sailed into Statia’s harbor flying the Stars and Stripes, Governor Johannes de Graaff returned a cannon salute, marking a moment of symbolic support for American independence. This act infuriated the British, who viewed the island’s support of the rebellion and its thriving trade as a threat to their empire. In retaliation, they launched an attack in 1781, led by Admiral Rodney, who plundered the island’s wealth, dealing a devastating blow to its prosperity.

Despite this downturn, St. Eustatius’ diverse history continued to shape the region. The island’s population was a tapestry of cultures, from enslaved Africans to European settlers and Jewish merchants who established one of the oldest synagogues in the Americas, the Honen Dalim. These communities, along with indigenous influences, left a rich legacy in architecture, religion, and cultural practices.

By the 19th century, as the global economy shifted and new trade routes emerged, Statia’s prominence declined. However, its historical significance remains. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of its past, from the restored fortifications to the ruins of warehouses along the waterfront where goods once flowed in and out of the Caribbean.