St. George's Caye was previously known by the Spaniards as "Cayo Cosina", or "Kitchen Cay". The island was settled as a town in 1650 and was the largest settlement in what was then British Honduras in the 17th century and 18th century. However, its importance was eventually eclipsed by the growth of Belize City.
St.George's Caye was Belize's first capital in the 1700s. From 3 September through 10 September 1798, British settlers fought and defeated a small Spanish fleet sent to drive them from the area. This battle is marked as a national holiday in Belize each September 10 as the Battle of St. George's Caye.
Today, St. George's Caye is a popular tourist destination. The island is home to a number of resorts and hotels, as well as a small museum dedicated to the Battle of St. George's Caye.
Did You Know?
The Battle of St. George's Caye was a decisive victory for the British settlers. The victory helped to secure Belize's independence and established the island as a British colony.