The "Watching for Pirates" Story

It was an ordinary day. As we drove from the airport in St. Martin (SXM) to our rental in Orient Village, we saw a large hill along the shoreline near the city of Marigot, the French capital of SXM. Looked like the ruins of an old fort with a weathered flag flying above it. As we entered the city we got a better view of the fort which was overlooking the bay in front of the capital. A large sign pointed to the structure and declared it to be "Fort Louis". A few days

later we came back to the city and decided to climb the stone staircase that was built into the hill which led to the fort. The path jogs slightly and the steps are in need of repair, but they ultimately lead to the top. The ruins had plenty of signs explaining its historical significance. The island of St. Martin changed hands a number of times during the 17th and 18th centuries until the 1648 Treaty of Concordia split the isle between France and the Netherlands. A French village rose along the bay on the north-west side of the island. It's name, Marigot, was based on the French word referring to marshes. Marigot became a shipping point for all the products raised and grown on the French side of the island. Chevalier Desoudrelles, who commanded the island at the time, thought it needed protection from the nearby English island of Anguilla, so a fort was constructed in 1767 above the town of Marigot and took the name of the King of France, Louis XVI. Anyone attempting to enter the bay would be seen by the citadel on the hill. The fort eventually lost it's purpose as the European nations became friends and it deteriorated. In the late 20th century it was restored and opened to visitors. Carol and I made our way to the top and were rewarded with the amazing 180 degree view. We could see to Simpson Bay on the south side of the island as well as the airport tower near the bay. To the north-west we could see Anguilla as well as Marigot harbor below us. It was very windy and not much of the fort remains to break the wind. A few cannons line the wall that remains, looking out over the harbor. Can imagine what it must have been like to man the cannons on this beautiful site. What a job! After a few photos we head back down, turning to look back as we reach the bottom. Neat place to visit. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - photos from the top are: Fort Louis overlooking the city of Marigot with the French flag flying, sign with historical info about the fort, view looking into Marigot, photo of Carol and LDub trying not to be blown off the hill, cannon getting ready for unwelcome visitors and panoramic view of Marigot and surrounding area.