Mariënburg Sugar Factory
Commewijne
Mariënburg Sugar Factory, located in the Commewijne district of Suriname, was originally established in 1745 as a sugar plantation by Maria de la Jaille. Over time, it transitioned into a coffee plantation before being abandoned. In 1882, the Netherlands Trading Society (NHM) purchased the site to establish a central sugarcane factory to serve surrounding plantations. To facilitate sugarcane transport, Suriname's first railway, spanning 12 kilometers, was constructed. The factory began operations on 23 October 1882. Labor at Mariënburg included Javanese indentured workers and Indians from British Raj. In 1902, a significant labor strike erupted due to low wages, culminating in a violent confrontation where 24 workers died after colonial troops fired on protesters. The factory ceased operations in 1986. Today, although in a dilapidated state, Mariënburg serves as a museum and tourist attraction, commemorating its industrial heritage and the 1902 uprising.
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Astuce: Visitors should consider arriving during daylight hours to safely explore the site, as the factory is in a deteriorated condition. It is advisable to check local ferry schedules if planning to visit nearby villages like Johan & Margaretha and Frederiksdorp. Purchasing tickets or arranging tours in advance may enhance the experience. The monument commemorating the 1902 uprising is a significant point of interest on-site.
Faits intéressants
- •Mariënburg was the site of Suriname's first railway, built in 1882 to transport sugarcane.
- •The 1902 labor uprising at Mariënburg resulted in 24 worker fatalities after colonial troops fired on striking workers.
- •A monument was unveiled in 2006 to honor the fallen workers of the 1902 uprising.
- •The factory was originally a sugar plantation founded in 1745 and later converted into a coffee plantation before returning to sugar production under NHM.
Histoire
Mariënburg was founded in 1745 as a sugar plantation by Maria de la Jaille.
It later became a coffee plantation before being abandoned.
In 1882, the Netherlands Trading Society acquired the site to build a sugar factory and constructed Suriname's first railway to support it.
The factory opened in October 1882.
In 1902, a labor strike by Javanese and Indian workers led to a deadly confrontation with colonial forces, resulting in 24 deaths.
The factory operated until its closure in 1986.
Guide du lieu
The Sugar Factory Ruins1882
The central remains of the sugarcane processing factory opened in 1882, showcasing industrial architecture from the colonial era and the site of the 1902 labor strike.
1902 Labor Uprising Monument2006
A memorial unveiled in 2006 commemorating the workers who died during the violent 1902 strike at Mariënburg, symbolizing the struggle for labor rights.