The reconstruction

Shortly after the eruption, the area of St. Pierre was completely abandonned. But slowly families were drawn to the ruins by the cheap price of the land, and the desire to rebuild the city. It is worth noting that the first building to be constructed among the ruins was a hotel, mostly thanks to the touristic activity which developped after the disaster. Many travelers were eager to see the infamous volcano and the damages of the eruption.

Until 1923 the area of St. Pierre developped as a neighborhood of Carbet, then recovered a full administrative status, but never regained the population and the activity of before the catastrophe. In fact the increase of the population observed during the 1920's was stopped by the eruption of 1929-1932.

St. Pierre currently has about 6,000 inhabitants, and the ruins are still a constant reminder of the1902 tragedy.

Evolution of the population of 3 communites affected by the eruptions of Mt. Pelée. (from Lesales, 1995)