The Bone of Contention
Tobago has been fought over by numerous nations since Columbus first saw it in 1498 and became known as 'the bone of contention'.
The French, Swedes, Spanish, Dutch, Courlanders (Latvians) and British turned Tobago's waters blood red as they fought over possession. The island changed hands 31 times, some say 33, before it was eventually ceded to the British in 1814 under the Treaty of Paris. In 1889 Tobago was made a ward of Trinidad. |
A Few Places of Interest
Tobago is home to the Main Ridge, which is oldest legally protected forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere. This act was passed by the British in 1776.
Tobago is also famous for having the world's largest brain coral in the reef just off the village of Speyside (http://www.discover-tt.net/travel_and_tourism/worlds_largest_brain_coral.html). The island is dotted by many pristine beaches and historical sites such as the Courlander's Monument and the Mysterious Tombstone. Follow this link to read the baffling inscription on the tombstone http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mystery-tomb) |