Besides the iconic Pitons, one of St. Lucia’s most famous landmarks is undoubtedly Pigeon Island. Once a separate island, it was connected to the mainland in 1972 using land reclaimed from Rodney Bay, which itself was a swamp before being transformed into a marina.
Although initially under French control, like Martinique just 30 nautical miles away, the British seized Pigeon Island and, under the leadership of Admiral George Rodney, built a formidable fortress atop it. This strategic location became a crucial observation point for monitoring French ships approaching Martinique.
The fortress was well-equipped with four cannons, highlighting the site’s significant strategic importance. The British maintained control of this vital position until 1979, when St. Lucia gained independence, and Pigeon Island was declared a national park.
At the foot of the island, near a makeshift dock, lies a fantastic restaurant with great food: Jambe De Bois. From the fortress, there’s a breathtaking view of the entire Rodney Bay area, including the complete Atlantic approach.
