Vieux Fort District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vieux Fort
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District
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Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia
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| Country | Saint Lucia |
| Area | |
| • Total | 49.8 km2 (19.22 sq mi) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 14,754 |
| • Density | 296/km2 (768/sq mi) |
| ISO 3166-2:LC |
LC-11
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Vieux Fort is one of the 10 districts in the Caribbean island country of Saint Lucia. It is also the name of the main town within this district. Vieux Fort is home to the second-largest town in Saint Lucia. It also has Saint Lucia's international airport, called Hewanorra International Airport. Hewanorra is the old name for the island, used by the Amerindian people.
Contents
Exploring Vieux Fort's Communities
The Vieux Fort district has many small communities. These include Augier, Pierrot, Belle Vue, and Black Bay. Other areas are Grace, La Resource, St. Urban, La Tourney, Vige, and Zaboo.
Economy and Local Markets
Vieux Fort is a busy place for shopping and trade. Every Friday and Saturday, there is a lively market day. Here you can buy local items like spices and fresh fruits. You can also find "ground provisions," which are root vegetables. Vieux Fort also has Saint Lucia's biggest fish market. There is also a mall where you can find many fashion products.
A Glimpse into Vieux Fort's Past
Early Forts and Sugar Industry
The first fort in Saint Lucia was built in 1605 by settlers from a ship called the Oliphe Blossome. Later, Dutch sailors also built a fort here. In the late 1700s, Vieux Fort was very important for Saint Lucia's sugar industry. Today, it is more focused on different types of industries.
Black Bay and Pirate Legends
A part of Vieux Fort is known as Black Bay. People say it got its name from the famous pirate Blackbeard. Legend has it that he used this area to hide his stolen treasures.
World War II and Hidden Tunnels
During the Second World War, American troops used Vieux Fort as a base. You can still see signs of their time there. For example, there is a tunnel that runs from Clark Street to St. Judes Hospital. This tunnel was used to store supplies. It also provided a quick path to the hospital. Many people living in Vieux Fort today do not know about this hidden tunnel.
Old Town Charm and New Developments
In recent years, a new, modern part of Vieux Fort has been built. It shows how the area is growing and changing. However, if you walk along Clark Street, you can still see "The Old Town." Here, you will find historic colonial houses. These buildings give Vieux Fort a touch of old England and France. Many of these old homes now need some repairs. Recently, Black Bay has become a popular place for people from other countries to live.
Government and Representatives
The Vieux Fort district is split into two areas for elections. These areas choose people to represent them in the House of Assembly. Since July 2021, Moses Jean Baptiste represents Vieux Fort North. Kenny Anthony represents Vieux Fort South. These representatives were chosen during the country's recent general election.
Tourism and Nature
Most tourist activities in Saint Lucia happen on the west coast. However, some hotels are located in the Vieux Fort District. A special place to visit is the Maria Islands Nature Reserve. The Saint Lucia National Trust manages this reserve. It is a place where leatherback turtles lay their eggs. It is also home to a type of iguana that only lives in Saint Lucia.
See also
- Vieux Fort River
- Little Vieux Fort River
