History of Grenada
Grenada history includes many of the elements common throughout the Caribbean. The island was inhabited by Carib Indians until the arrival of Columbus in 1498, who landed there on his third voyage and named the island "Concepcion". Recorded history of Grenada shows that early efforts to settle the island - most likely renamed for the city of Granada in Spain - were unsuccessful due to resistance by the Caribs. An eventual defeat in battle at the hands of the French, who had purchased the island from Great Britain in 1650, saw most of the Caribs leap to their deaths off now-famous "Leaper's Hill" rather than admit defeat and be subject to European colonization. The 18th century history of Grenada included a number of instances where the island changed hands between Great Britain and France. Though the English would eventually keep possession, this period in Grenada history is reflected in the French places names and French patois still very much in evidence today.
Grenada history took a very important turn in the late 18th century with the evolution of a new economic base. Shifting away from sugar production, whose fields had been destroyed by natural disaster, a British adviser introduced nutmeg to the colony. It was found that Grenada's soils were ideal not only for nutmeg but many other spices as well, and the modern history of Grenada took shape with the island being an important source of spices for European traders.
A growing economy would eventually lead Grenada into independent statehood in 1974. Grenada history has since seen its share of ups and downs, but the country today is a favorite destination for beach and sun lovers - lured back every year by its irrepressible and "spicy" charm.
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