St. Eustatius, once the most important free port of the Caribbean, played an significant role in world history. Merchants on the island provided rebellious American settlers with weapons during the American Revolutionary War, and after St. Eustatius brought a salute to a rebellious warship, it was considered by the Americans as the first recognition of their independence. Journalist and author Willem de Bruin wrote a fascinating book about the history of this illustrious island, The Golden Rock (in Dutch).
Click here to listen to a podcast with the author.