Pieces of Eight

Grenada

Named Conception by Columbus, the island reminded his crew of southern Spain, and they renamed it Granada. The French called the island Grenade, and the English altered it further to the current spelling.

Columbus never claimed the island for Spain, and for the next 150 years, the native Indians resisted all attempts to colonize the island. It was the French who succeeded, buying land in return for metal tools.

As soon as they had a foothold, the French sought to expand their dominion, and this brought them into open conflict with the natives. The Indians lost.

Unfortunately for the French, the English were intent on capturing Grenada, and finally did so several decades ago, whereupon they immediately built two forts to protect their acquisition. The French retain an interest in retaking Grenada and have made several failed attempts to dislodge the English.