Soufrière - Fond Doux Estate

Fond Doux, a working cocoa, banana and citrus plantation, is the noted site of the 1795 Battle of Rabot where former slaves changed St Lucian history by defeating the British. Rabot is a nearby lake.

The French Revolution resulted in freedom for the island's plantation slaves in February 1794. However, the British captured St Lucia by April of that year and reinstated slavery. Ex-slaves, known as Brigands, allied themselves with French Republicans to fight a hit and run war against the British.

On April 15, 1795 the British sailed from Vieux Fort to capture Soufrière, a Brigand stronghold. Slowed by guerrilla tactics, the British only reached Fond Doux on April 22 where the Brigands were dug in on three sides. After an exhausting battle, the British were forced to retreat, encouraging the Brigands to attack elsewhere. On June 18, 1795 the British abandoned the island during the night.

Brigand fortifications and camps, plus the ruins of the original plantation house still exist.

The estate has large second growth forests which attract birds and wildlife. Three trails expose visitors to various aspects of the estate: Brigand Trail (1 hour), Cocoa Trail (45 minutes), Citrus Grove Trail (45 minutes).