Union: The Complete Guide
The southernmost island in the country it offers a very laid back vacation in small friendly hotels and guest houses mainly adjacent to the largest village, Clifton. Clifton lies behind a reef, windward of this being very popular with kite surfers. Being closest to the Tobago Keys, a world heritage site incorporating three islands surrounding a lagoon with all being behind the World End reef, boats leave several times daily taking visitors to enjoy the excellent snorkeling available in this marine preserve where no fishing or exploitation of nature is allowed.
History of Union
The Tobago Cays are a group of small uninhabited islands located in the southern Caribbean Sea, part of the nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Union Island, while not one of the Tobago Cays themselves, is nearby and serves as a gateway to this stunning marine park. As such, the history of Union Island is intertwined with that of the Tobago Cays and the broader Caribbean region. Here’s a brief overview:
- Indigenous Peoples: The islands of the Caribbean, including those in the Tobago Cays region, were originally inhabited by various indigenous peoples, including the Kalinago (Caribs) and the Arawak (Taino). These indigenous groups lived off the land and sea, engaging in fishing, farming, and trading.
- European Colonization: Like much of the Caribbean, the Tobago Cays were explored and colonized by European powers beginning in the late 15th century. The islands passed through the hands of various colonial powers, including the Spanish, French, Dutch, and British, as these nations vied for control of the lucrative sugar trade and strategic naval bases.
- Plantation Economy: During the colonial era, the Tobago Cays and surrounding islands were primarily used for agriculture, particularly the cultivation of sugarcane. Large plantations were established, and enslaved Africans were forcibly brought to the region to work on these estates under brutal conditions. The legacy of slavery and colonialism continues to influence the culture and demographics of the Caribbean today.
- Pirate Activity: The Caribbean was notorious for piracy during the 17th and 18th centuries, and the Tobago Cays region was no exception. Pirates and privateers used the secluded cays and reefs as hiding spots, launching attacks on passing ships and plundering their cargo. Some of the most famous pirates, such as Blackbeard and Calico Jack, are said to have frequented these waters.
- Modern Era: In more recent times, the Tobago Cays have become known for their natural beauty and pristine marine environment. Today, the islands are part of the Tobago Cays Marine Park, a protected area established to conserve the region’s coral reefs, sea turtles, and other marine life. The Tobago Cays have also become a popular destination for yachters, sailors, and eco-tourists seeking to explore the Caribbean’s underwater wonders.
Overall, while Union Island and the Tobago Cays may not have a long recorded history of human settlement, they are part of a region with a rich and complex past shaped by indigenous cultures, European colonization, slavery, piracy, and the modern conservation movement.
Visiting Union for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Union on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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