The penal colony of Cayenne, commonly known as Devil's Island, was a famous prison of the 19th and 20th century. It operated at several locations in French Guiana. Opened in 1852, it was notorious for being used for internal exile of French political prisoners during that period, the most famous of which was Captain Alfred Dreyfus. It is also known for its harsh treatment of criminals, who were deported there from all parts of the French empire. The system was closed down in 1953. The island in French Guiana is notorious as the place where French army officer Alfred Dreyfus was unjustly held at the end of the 19th Century after being accused of treason, and as the location of the 1973 film Papillon, starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman.
We saw a hummingbird, Monkeys, these weird rabbits called Agouti.
Not until after WWII did the French finally close the penal colonies. Today, much of the prison has returned to the jungle but tourists coming ashore at Royale can still see the pits, the solitary confinement cells, the church, and many of the other buildings. There is an ongoing restoration program and some of the buildings are being recovered
Very hot and humid day but we took the first tender over and was done with our 3 miles and picture taking and back on the tender by 11:30. Pool time now and relaxing. We have set our clocks ahead 2 times now. Tomorrow is a Sea day then we hit Brazil.
No comments:
Post a Comment