Philosateleia
Kevin Blackston
PO Box 217
Floresville TX 78114-0217
United States of America

Diamond Rock

Martinique

In the Caribbean, off of Martinique, an island known as Diamond Rock rises to a height of more than 600 feet above sea level.1 A submerged cave that runs beneath the island is a major attraction for experienced divers.

Today, the only inhabitants of Diamond Rock are a dozen or so bird species, but the island has a colorful history.2 In the early 1800s, the British fortified the site and christened it HMS Diamond Rock, making it a so-called “stone frigate.”3 From there, they harassed passing French vessels for over a year until the French set barrels of rum afloat in the sea; the casks washed up onto the rock, the British soldiers over imbibed, and the French captured the island.4

50-centime French postage stamp picturing Diamond Rock near Martinique
Diamond Rock

Next:

References

  1. Bennett, Steve. Uncommon Dive: Diamond Rock. Uncommon Caribbean. Accessed 21 July 2013.
  2. The Diamond Rock. La Martinique. Accessed 21 July 2013.
  3. Stone Frigate. World War Diary. Accessed 21 July 2013.
  4. Diamond Rock Review. Fodor’s. Accessed 21 July 2013.

Published 2018-06-18