Christopher Columbus, the famous explorer, sailed past the island on November 11, 1493, St. Martin's Day. He spotted the island and named it after the patron saint.
Is Sint Maarten a US territory?
Sint Maarten is a semi-autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who conducts Sint Maarten's foreign affairs, including with the United States, and its embassies and consulates issue visas for travel to the island.
When did slavery end in Sint Maarten?
The French freed their enslaved persons on May 28th 1848 with a decision of the government that came to power after the French revolution in 1848. However, enslavement remained a fact of life in Sint Maarten until July 1st 1863.
Why is it called Sint Maarten?
What’s the difference between Saint-Martin and Sint Maarten?
Why the two spellings? Well, this 37-square-mile-island is governed by both France and the Netherlands. The French side of the island refers to itself as Saint Martin, while the Dutch side is known as Sint Maarten.
Is St. Maarten still a Dutch colony?
It became a part of the Dutch West Indies in 1828, and it was one of the original territories of the Netherlands Antilles federation that was established in 1954 and dissolved in 2010. Sint Maarten is now an autonomous state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Which is better St Thomas or St. Maarten?
St. Maarten also offers cruisers a great location to visit nearby islands if you've visited the island many times before. Opt for St. Thomas if you like feeling like you're in America, yet still in the Caribbean; you don't mind crowds either in the stores or on the beach; you want a choice of many different activities.
Can you enter St. Maarten without a passport?
Entry, Exit and Visa RequirementsUpon arrival in Sint Maarten, you must have: a U.S. passport valid for the duration of your stay; a completed Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED-Card).