History of Dominica
Dominica was first settled by Arawaks and then Carib Indians. During the 17th
and 18th centuries, control for the island was hotly contested between the British,
the French, and the Amerindian groups. The British finally prevailed and until 1939
Dominica formed part of the Leeward Islands federation. In 1940 it was
transferred to the Windward Islands and remained attached to that group until
December 1959, when the federal arrangement was ended. Dominica, largest of
the Windward Islands, covers 289 square miles and has approximately 91 miles
if coastline. The island is characterized by very rugged and steep terrain lying
between Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the South. The first known
Europeans go sight the island were led by Christoper Columbus, who sailed past
on a Sunday in 1493 (hence the name Dominica). Dominica, formerly a British
colony, became independent in 1978, remains a member of both the British
Commonwealth and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.

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