Macouba

History

Macouba is a commune in the North Atlantic region of Martinique, located east of Grand'Rivière, west of Basse-Pointe, and north of Le Prêcheur.

Its name comes from a freshwater fish once prized for its flavor. The macouba—also known locally as a “têtard” or tadpole—was reportedly a favorite dish of Father Labat, who lived in the area at the end of the 17th century. In his writings, he described the region’s aquatic bounty: “As for freshwater fish, there were mullets, sleepers, tadpoles or macoubas, and crayfish.”

The pre-colonial history of Macouba remains largely unknown. The earliest records date from 1694, when Father Labat was sent to serve the parish. He wrote:

On Saturday, February 13, I received from our superior general the parish of Macouba, which lies four leagues west of Fonds Saint-Jacques.”

At that time, the commune already bore the name we use today. Father Labat officiated in the small Sainte-Anne church, built in the 17th century and often considered the oldest church on the island. Perched above a cliffside marine cemetery, the church—though frequently restored—has retained its original wooden frame, crafted in the style of ship hulls.

Later, Macouba’s economy centered around the cultivation of high-quality tobacco, which was exported under the commune’s name and became one of Europe’s most sought-after varieties. As competition from other islands grew, the parish shifted toward sugarcane production.

Large sugar estates were established during the 18th and 19th centuries. One such estate, located along the Roche River, was acquired in 1790 by Antoine Leroux-Préville, a white Creole, who renamed it Fonds-Préville. Today, it spans one hectare. The cane grown there now supplies the J.M. Distillery at Habitation Bellevue, which covers roughly 50 hectares.

Cocoa and coffee plantations also earned a strong reputation in regional markets.

Following the abolition of slavery, Indian laborers—known as “Koulis”—were brought to the island to work the fields. Their contributions enriched the commune, and today Macouba, along with neighboring Basse-Pointe, is home to one of Martinique’s largest communities of Indian descendants.

Today, Macouba is known not only for its world-class J.M. rum but also for its Nord-Plage district, which served as the setting for a feature film.

Economy

Macouba remains a predominantly agricultural commune. In addition to its celebrated rum, the area is largely covered in banana plantations, with fruit destined for export.

Fishing is limited to freshwater rivers or aquaculture, as the Atlantic Ocean’s powerful swells make coastal access hazardous.

Neighborhoods

The main districts are Bellevue, Cheneaux, Fonds-Préville, Guérin, Nord-Plage, Perpigna, Potiche, Terre Patate, and the Macouba Lotissement.