April 9, 2025

(If you hit the word BLOG at the top of the page you will return to Page 1 and can read our blog of January 11, 2024, which talks about our first visit to Devils Island.)

Missionaries from the mainland of South America sought refuge from disease on these three islands just 6 nautical miles from the coast. The three islands are named Isle Royale, St. Joseph’s Island and the most famous, Devil’s Island which was the most notorious outpost in the French penal system.

From 1852 to 1953 the French used Devil’s Island to imprison the worst convicted felons and political prisoners. For most of the prisoners it ended up being a life sentence. They didn’t survive the harsh conditions and rampant disease. The temperature hovered in the low 90’s and there was 98 inches of annual rain, usually coming at night so there was no relief from the heat of the day or the dampness of the night.

The most famous prisoner was Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish military officer accused of spying for the Germans. His conviction, using manufactured evidence, was an example of antisemitism in the French military establishment. The French novelist, Emile Zola campaigned for a retrial. His protest set off a public firestorm that ultimately led to Dreyfus’ release. While visitors are not allowed on Devil’s Island, I was able to capture a photo of his hut from the ship.

You might want to rent the movie “Papillion” this weekend a movie that etched into history the story of this French Guiana penal colony. (1973 with Steve McQueen/Dustin Hoffman) If you prefer a more recent adaptation (2017 with Rami Malek.)

In my humble opinion, the original is much better.

Next, the country of Cape Verde.

Thanks for traveling with us.