Welcome to Camp Crique Anguille, a site steeped in the complex history of French Guiana. This location, once a part of the territory known as Inini, holds stories of colonial ambitions and the harsh realities of penal labor. Established during the era when French Guiana was divided into coastal and inland territories, Camp Crique Anguille played a significant role in the French penal system. In the early 1930s, as France sought to exploit the rich resources of its colonies, the interior of French Guiana was earmarked for development. To make this rugged terrain accessible, a workforce of prisoners was deployed, including 535 Annamite prisoners from Indochina. These prisoners were brought to Camp Crique Anguille, where they toiled under difficult conditions, clearing the land and making way for what was hoped to be a thriving region. The camp gained notoriety in 1937 when the prisoners, driven by desperation, revolted against their overseers. This uprising highlighted the brutal conditions and the oppressive nature of forced labor camps. Despite the rebellion, the penal system persisted, and the camp continued to function until 1944, when it was finally abandoned. After World War II, French Guiana became a department of France, and the harsh penal practices gradually came to an end, with the last prisoners being released in 1953. Today, the remnants of Camp Crique Anguille serve as a sobering reminder of a tumultuous past, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of those who were once confined here.
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