Mahe de Labourdonnais Statue, Port Louis
The Mahé de Labourdonnais Statue is an important landmark located in the heart of Port Louis. This statue is a tribute to Bertrand François Mahé de Labourdonnais, who was the governor of the island of Mauritius from 1735 to 1746. He is known for his contributions to the development of the island, making it an important naval base, and transforming the sugar cane industry into a large-scale industry.
The statue was erected in 1859, after a committee was formed for its erection in 1853. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Governor Stevenson, and it was declared a holiday on this occasion. The statue is situated on the Place d'Armes, a vast esplanade that connects the port to the Hôtel du Gouvernement. The Place d'Armes is an important historic center of the city, and is adorned with royal palm trees and upturned cannons.
Bertrand François Mahé de Labourdonnais was born in Saint-Malo on February 11, 1699, and died in Paris on November 10, 1735. He started as a cabin boy in the merchant navy and later became a captain and traded on his own. He was appointed Governor General of Isle de France and Bourbon on January 25, 1734, and arrived on the island on June 4, 1735, as governor. During his 58-month tenure, he accomplished a prodigious amount of work, including the founding of a hospital, installation of a water pipeline system, and the fortification of Port-Louis on land and sea.
Labourdonnais also contributed to the development of agriculture on the island and established the first sugar plantation in Pamplemousses in 1744. He formed a squadron on the Isle of France during the War of Austrian Succession and led the capture of Madras in India. However, he was later asked to resign from his duties and was imprisoned in the Bastille in 1748. He was acquitted in 1751, but did not survive long after and passed away in Paris in 1753.
The statue was erected in 1859, after a committee was formed for its erection in 1853. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Governor Stevenson, and it was declared a holiday on this occasion. The statue is situated on the Place d'Armes, a vast esplanade that connects the port to the Hôtel du Gouvernement. The Place d'Armes is an important historic center of the city, and is adorned with royal palm trees and upturned cannons.
Bertrand François Mahé de Labourdonnais was born in Saint-Malo on February 11, 1699, and died in Paris on November 10, 1735. He started as a cabin boy in the merchant navy and later became a captain and traded on his own. He was appointed Governor General of Isle de France and Bourbon on January 25, 1734, and arrived on the island on June 4, 1735, as governor. During his 58-month tenure, he accomplished a prodigious amount of work, including the founding of a hospital, installation of a water pipeline system, and the fortification of Port-Louis on land and sea.
Labourdonnais also contributed to the development of agriculture on the island and established the first sugar plantation in Pamplemousses in 1744. He formed a squadron on the Isle of France during the War of Austrian Succession and led the capture of Madras in India. However, he was later asked to resign from his duties and was imprisoned in the Bastille in 1748. He was acquitted in 1751, but did not survive long after and passed away in Paris in 1753.
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Mahe de Labourdonnais Statue on Map
Sight Name: Mahe de Labourdonnais Statue
Sight Location: Port Louis, Mauritius (See walking tours in Port Louis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Port Louis, Mauritius (See walking tours in Port Louis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Port Louis, Mauritius
Create Your Own Walk in Port Louis
Creating your own self-guided walk in Port Louis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Port Louis Introduction Walking Tour
Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is a colorful blend of French, Indian, and African influences. Nestled on the northwest coast of the island, this major commercial port boasts a wealth of colonial past carefully preserved and reflected in local architecture.
Initially a Dutch harbor known as Harbour of Tortoises in 1606, the city became the administrative center of Mauritius under French... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Initially a Dutch harbor known as Harbour of Tortoises in 1606, the city became the administrative center of Mauritius under French... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles