40 Fascinating Facts About Saint Lucia | Page 9

COLUMBUS DID NOT DISCOVER SAINT LUCIA 3 Legend has it that it was the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus who discovered our little island in the sun on Saint Lucy's Day, 1498. Historians debunk the notion citing that Saint Lucia was simply along the route that Columbus sailed. So, who set eyes on Mother Helen first? Some say it was the Ciboney people 1000-500 BC. Others say it was the Arawaks around 200 A.D.  Photo Credit: Pinterest Source: http://www.traveladvisortips.com/top-10-most-interesting-st-lucia-facts/ . SAINT LUCIA IS TRULY THE ‘HELEN’ OF THE WEST INDIES 4 The British and the French were so fascinated by the beauty and economic promise of Saint Lucia that they battled for possession 14 times, both ruling 7 times each. During the 18th century, Saint Lucia was declared neutral territory a dozen times. It wasn't until after the Battle of Saints during the American Revolution in 1782, that the British were able to fully control the island. Because the British and French battled so many times for the island's heart, St.Lucia is said to be ‘the Helen of the West Indies’, a reference to the battle over Helen of Troy, a woman, who according to Greek Mythology, is the most beautiful woman in the world.  Source: https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places/fort-rodney-0012391