St. Eustatius role in American Revolution highlighted in new exhibition

A new exhibition at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia explores the historical role of St. Eustatius, a Dutch-controlled Caribbean island, during the American Revolution.

Known as “Golden Rock,” the island served as a major trading hub connecting Europe, the Caribbean, and North America. During the revolution, Dutch merchants on the island facilitated the transport of essential supplies to American colonists, including weapons, gunpowder, and ammunition.

The island also hosted a significant Jewish community that had been established since the 1600s. Their involvement in trade and shipping networks proved vital to the American cause. A notable historical moment occurred on November 16, 1776, when the American ship Andrew Doria entered the harbor, flying the Grand Union Flag and carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence, prompting a formal salute from the island's Fort Oranje.