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. 🏰
Dutch colony Port Warwick established in 1638
Site mentioned
📍 Port Warwick
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
Sources
Solved: In 1638, the Dutch decided to settle in Mauritius. a ... - Gauthgauthmath.com
The name given to the fort built by the Dutch at Vieux Grand Port in Mauritius was Fort Frederik Hendrik.
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