Dutch colony Port Warwick established in 1638. By 1611, Dutch policy required all ships to stop at Mauritius to refresh supplies Official colony established in 1638 with stone fort called Port Warwick At its height in 1650s, population was around 150 Dutchmen
The Dutch established their official colony on Mauritius in 1638 with a stone fort called Fort Frederik Hendrik. Life was rough: colonists consumed the equivalent of 10-12 shots of gin daily, and in 1658, 38 disgruntled settlers actually stabbed the governor and declared themselves kings for 3 days. Average lifespan was under 3 years. 🏰
Key Facts
- By 1611, Dutch policy required all ships to stop at Mauritius to refresh supplies
- Official colony established in 1638 with stone fort called Port Warwick
- At its height in 1650s, population was around 150 Dutchmen
- Colony was known for extreme alcohol consumption - daily ration equivalent to 10-12 shots of gin
- In 1658, 38 disgruntled Dutchmen stabbed the governor and declared themselves kings for 3 days
- Average lifespan of a Dutchman on the island was less than 3 years
Source: The First Explorers of Dodo Island: Discovery & Extinction of the Dodo Bird by Luke Caverns