Home | About Mauritius | History of Mauritius

The Dutch Period

Mauritius History The Dutch PeriodIn 1598 the Dutch came into the scene when Vice Admiral Vybrant Van Warwick claimed the island for the Netherlands and named it Mauritius in honour of his ruler, Prince Maurice of Nassau (Pictured on the left). However it was not until 1636 that the Dutch established the first settlement on the southeast coast of the island where they built the first harbour. Today that location is part of one of the major flourishing towns of the country, called Mahébourg.

The Dutch introduced sugar cane, tobacco, Javan deers, wild boars and African slaves into the island. They used Mauritius mainly as a supply base on the route to Java, as their settlement did not seem to prosper. In fact, due to unforeseen calamities (frequent tropical cyclones and infestation of sugar cane plantation by rats) that affected their settlement the Dutch abandoned the island for good in 1710.

Five years later the French appeared on the scene and re-made history by being the second nation to settle in Mauritius with pride, glory and success. Click here to find out more about that French period settlement.

You may also be interested in . . .
  • The French Period

    Mauritius History The French PeriodAfter the departure of the Dutch 1n 1710, Guillaume Dufresne D'Arsel, while on the route to India, landed in Mauritius in September 1715 and claimed the island for France. He named Mauritius 'Ile de France'. However it was only in 1721 that the French started their occupation of the island.

  • History of Mauritius

    Prior to 1598 there was no human habitation on the island of Mauritius. At that time it was only an indigenous habitat with dense forests, peaks and mountains, streams and rivers, and some species of birds, unique among which was the famous Dodo.

    In maps of the Middle Ages Mauritius is shown by an Arabic name 'Dina Arobi'. It is believed that Arab sailors knew the island as early as the 10th century, but they never settled there.

  • National Historical Naval Museum

    National Historical Naval Museum, Mahebourg, Mauritius

  • A brief history of the dodo

    For many years people have been using the above description when referring to the Dodo. However, new research carried out in the United Kingdom has revealed two important things we did not know before about this extinct bird.

  • The British Period

    After the capture of the island from the French the British re-named Ile de France 'Mauritius' and Port Louis was retained as the principal harbour. British administration started with Robert Farquhar as the first Governor. In terms of economic development the British took over from where the French left.

  • Vieux Grand Port

    About 7km north of Mahebourg, Vieux Grand Port has great historical significance for Mauritius. The Dutch made Vieux Grand Port their base and called it Fort Fredrick Henric. About 4km from Mahebourg, on the bank of a river, is a monument commemorating the first landing by Dutch sailors, which took place on 9 September 1598 under the command of Wyband Van Warwick. The Monument was erected in 1948 by the Mauritius Historical Society.

  • Location & Geography

    Mauritius, an independent state, is situated at 890 KM east of Madagascar (as shown in the map below), between 19°50' and 20°32' of south latitude and 57°18' and 57°46' of East Longitude. Reunion, french island, is 200 km south west and Rodrigues, a dependence of Mauritius is 600 km to the East North East.

    Mauritius Map

Directory

About Us | Terms & Conditions | FAQ | Feedback
Copyright © 2009 LODD Inc. All Rights Reserved.