Like other Caribbean islands, Grenada was formed as an underwater volcano. Before European arrival, it was inhabited by peaceful Arawaks, later driven out by Caribs. Christopher Columbus sighted Grenada in 1498 during his third voyage to the New World.
It became a French colony (as La Grenade) from 1649–1763, with an economy initially based on sugar cane and indigo — the French established a capital, Fort Royal, later renamed St. George's. The British captured Grenada during the Seven Years' War in 1762 and held it as a colony from 1763–1974. Nutmeg was introduced in 1843, and Grenada became a Crown colony in 1877. Independence was granted on 7 February 1974.
US troops invaded Grenada in 1983 and withdrew that December; the first democratic elections since 1976 followed in December 1984. Today, under Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell (since 2022) and Governor-General Cécile La Grenade, Grenada's economy leans on tourism, agriculture (especially nutmeg and cocoa) and a growing offshore-education sector.
Grenada Social Pics
Mention @CoolestCarib in your social posts and stand a chance to be featured here.