Saint-Pierre, Martinique Saint-Pierre, Martinique Saint-Pierre () is a town and commune of France's Caribbean overseas department of Martinique, founded in 1635 by Pierre Belain d'Esnambuc. Before the total destruction of Saint-Pierre in 1902 by a volcanic eruption, it was the most important city of Martinique culturally and economically, being known as "the Paris of the Caribbean". While Fort-de-France was the official administrative capital, Saint-Pierre was the cultural capital of Martinique. After the disaster, Fort-de-France grew in economic importance. Saint-Pierre was founded in 1635 by Pierre Belain d'Esnambuc, a French trader and adventurer, as the first permanent French colony on the island of
Battle of Martinique (1667) the result of the war. News of this disaster shocked not only the French but also the Dutch who had been certain of their domination of the Caribbean. Crinjeens sailed back to the Caribbean in horror only to find the French fleet vaporized and the English back in possession of Suriname. On 31 July the English and Dutch signed the Treaty of Breda, ending the war returning to the status quo. Rickard, J (22 August 2009), Battle of Martinique, 25 June 1667 Battle of Martinique (1667) The Battle of Martinique also known as Harman’s Martinican Bonfire was a major naval