Grenada’s physical beauty is complemented by its rich history and vibrant living cultural heritage. Local festivals, fairs, and markets remain an integral part of life on Grenada. Its centuries-old spice plantations and rum distilleries still use traditional methods, emphasizing quality rather than quantity. Although the tourist industry has become more substantial in recent years, the islands easy rhythms and the friendly openness of its residents evoke an atmosphere that has long since vanished elsewhere.

When Christopher Columbus sailed by Grenada in 1498, the island was already inhabited by the Carib indians. The admiral dubbed the island Concepcion, but passing Spanish sailors found its lush green hills so evocative of Andalusia that they rejected this name in favor of Granada. The French then adapted Granada to Grenade, and the British followed suit, changing Grenade to Grenada. Although none of the European powers had any trouble naming the island, they found colonization a much more difficult prospect. For a century and a half, the Caribs repulsed all attempts at European settlement, until an enterprising French expedition from Martinique succeeded in purchasing extensive tracts of land in return for a few beads, knives, and hatchets. Hostilities between the Caribs and the French broke out almost immediately afterward, as the French endeavored to extend their control over the whole of the island. Determined not to submit to French rule, the Caribs fought a succession of losing battles, and ultimately the last surviving Caribs jumped to their death off a precipice in the north of the island. The French named the spot "Le Morrie de Sauteurs," or "Leapers' Hill."

For the next ninety years, the French struggled unsuccessfully to keep the island from failing into the hands of the British. Fort George and Fort Frederick which still command the heights overlooking St. George's harbor, are relics of that fight. Finally, under the Treaty of Versailles in 1783, the island was permanently ceded to the British. Having gained stable possession of Grenada the British immediately imported large numbers of slaves from Africa and established sugar plantations. In 1795, however, British control was seriously challenged once again, this time by Julian Fedon, a black planter inspired by the French Revolution. Under Fedon's leadership, the island's slaves rose up in a violent rebellion, effectively taking control of Grenada. Although the rebellion was crushed by the British, tensions remained high until slavery was abolished in 1834..

In 1877 Grenada became a Crown Colony, and in 1967 it Became an associate state within the British Commonwealth before gaining independence in 1974. Despite the island's long history of British rule, the island's French heritage (both colonial and revolutionary) survives in its place names, its buildings, and its strong Catholicism.

In 1979, an attempt was made to set up a socialist/communist state in Grenada Four years later, at the request of the Governor General the United States, Jamaica, and the Eastern Caribbean States intervened militarily. Launching their now famous "rescue mission," the allied forces restored order, and in December of 1984 a general election re-established democratic government.

The visit to Grenada provided me with the opportunity to realize a long time dream--to sail in the Grenadine Islands.  The Grenadines, and particularly the Tobago Cays, are world-renowned sailing grounds.  The beautiful, uninhabited islands and coral reefs are an endless source of pleasure.  Although the Grenadines are actually a part of St. Vincent, the day trip to the Grenadines was more conveniently arranged from Grenada.  The trip consisted of a charter flight from Grenada to Union Island where we met our 60 foot sailing catamaran, the Typhoon.  We motored to Prune Island (Palm Island) where we had a gourmet breakfast and a short time to beachcomb.  From there we set sail to the Tobago Cays.  Endless drinks (rum punch, of course) were served, along with snacks and a great lunch!  Upon arrival at the Cays, we were set ashore on tiny, uninhabited, Jamesby Island for beaching, exploring, swimming and snorkeling.  Later, we set sail again and went to beautiful Saltwhistle Bay on Mayreau Island for more beach fun.  Sitting on the bow of the catamaran as it surged through the Atlantic swells during the the final  run back to Union Island was an experience never to be forgotten!  The flight back to Grenada concluded a perfect day!