Saint Lucia: History

1635 The French establish a colony on the island.

1814

France gives up control of the island to Britain in the Treaty of Paris. The British proclaim St. Lucia a crown colony.

1924 St. Lucia is granted self-government, and a constitution is ratified that includes a partially elected legislative council.

1958 St. Lucia enters the Federation of the West Indies, although it only lasts four years.

1964 The sugar cane industry is closed on the island.

1967

St. Lucia becomes fully self-governing in internal affairs, while Britain maintains control of defense and external affairs.

1979 St. Lucia becomes an independent state in the Commonwealth.

2002

Tropical Storm Lili destroys around half of the year's banana crop and destroys entire plantations in other places.

2014

A law aimed at criminalizing gang membership goes into effect.