Rivière-Salée

HISTORY of the Commune of RIVIÈRE-SALÉE

Originally, Cul-de-sac-à-vaches was a large commune encompassing Rivière-Salée and Les Trois-Îlets.

In 1716, the commune was divided into two distinct parishes to allow the residents of Rivière-Salée to have their own church, as the church in Les Trois-Îlets was a bit far from their homes. A church was built in Rivière-Salée and entrusted to the Capuchins.

Finally, in 1837, Martinique underwent another administrative change, this time being divided into communes. The parish of Rivière-Salée was once again merged with that of Les Trois-Îlets, and the combined entity was given the name "Trois-Bourgs."

Trois-Bourgs stood for the two in Rivière-Salée, Petit-Bourg, Grand-Bourg, and Les Trois-Îlets. This arrangement lasted until 1849.

Rivière-Salée was primarily an agricultural commune, cultivating mainly sugarcane and coffee. The commune had 5 coffee plantations and 4 sugar mills that operated for many years despite the economic challenges.

In addition, some parcels of land were also used to cultivate various food crops. Farmer-merchants would travel to Fort-de-France to sell their produce, but it was not without difficulty.

To enter or exit the commune, one had to use a ferry to cross the river. In 1850, the crossing became toll-based. Later, this ferry was replaced by a bridge and then by a steam yacht.

Finally, in 1870, Rivière-Salée was one of the key players in the Southern Insurrection! This rebellion was triggered following an altercation between a white French official and a descendant of a slave merchant. During this "civil war," three estates were set on fire in the territory of Rivière-Salée.

URBANISM

All Roads Lead to Rivière-Salée!

National Road 5 is the main route when one wants to go to Rivière-Salée in Martinique.

However, it is also possible to use National Road 8 or Departmental Roads 35, 35A, 8, and 7.

GEOGRAPHY of this Southern Martinique Commune

Rivière-Salée does not have a beach but has the advantage of being well-placed on the route of the Bays (Anses).

At its north-western border is Ducos, to the north-east is Saint-Esprit.

To the south-east, you will find Rivière-Pilote and Sainte-Luce.

Finally, to the west, there are Les Trois-Îlets and Le Diamant.

Furthermore, the commune, with its hilly terrain, covers an area of 39.38 km² and has approximately 12,407 inhabitants.

POLITICS

Satisfied Residents of Rivière-Salée!

André Lesueur, president of the Forces Martiniquaises de Progrès (FMP), former deputy, and former general and regional councilor, has been the mayor of Rivière-Salée since 1989!

YOUTH

The birthplace of Joseph Zobel, a great poet, writer, and novelist, whose most famous novel is "La rue Case-Nègre" (Black Shack Alley), has no less than:

• 2 preschools
• 3 primary schools
• 3 elementary schools
• 1 middle school
• 1 high school
• 1 apprenticeship training center (CFA)

CULTURE

What to Do in Rivière-Salée, Day and Night?

Escape into Nature

Rivière-Salée offers a few activities to discover its highlights:

• Régale Church
• Visits to old wooden houses
• Hiking tours
• Kayak excursions in the mangrove along the Rivière-Salée

The History of Rivière-Salée Through Stone

In terms of architecture, whether religious or cultural monuments, Martinique's history has left us with traces of the past.

In the category of religious monuments, you can find in Rivière-Salée:

• Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church

• Petit-Bourg Church

IN SUMMARY

The commune of Rivière-Salée doesn't offer many tourist attractions compared to its neighbors. It has instead focused on agriculture, benefiting from relatively fertile land. However, changes are currently underway, which will undoubtedly make an impact.