Roseau

Why it's the capital

The French settled here on the site of Sairi, an old Island Carib village. Under British rule, Portsmouth on the northwest coast was chosen as the first capital, but its swamps brought malaria and yellow fever, so the capital moved to Roseau.

Fun facts

1. The name comes from roseaux, the French word for the reeds that grew thickly along the river banks.
2. The British built Fort Young in 1770, but only eight years later French troops captured it along with the town.
3. From Morne Bruce, which has the Botanical Gardens at its foot, you can look out over most of downtown Roseau.