Rebuilding Destroyed Cities
Charles Allmon / National Geographic / Getty
Saint-Pierre Today
At the time of the 1902 disaster, Saint-Pierre was Martinique's largest city and economic hub, trafficking in sugar production and rum. Owing in large part to the city's geographical location and volcanic volatility, the rebuilding of Saint-Pierre has been limited, and many ruins remain. Today the city boasts a modest population of about 5,000 citizens and operates primarily as an off-the-beaten-path tourist destination.
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