Jay B. Haviser

The island of St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, has seen the construction of various bridges since the 18th century, with most of them constructed in the early 20th century. This paper presents research of the historical developments which led to the construction of these bridges, as well as the various designs of the bridges. This includes the relationship between natural environmental changes and the function of the bridges on the island. Furthermore, the cultural significance of the St. Maarten bridges is also outlined from the perspective of cultural connectivity among the various communities on the island, including influences from the exterior world.… (more)