The Bottom (formerly Botte) is the capital and largest town of the island of Saba, the Caribbean Netherlands. It is the first stop on the way from Saba's Port in Fort Bay towards the rest of the island. In 2001, it had 462 inhabitants of the total 1,349 islanders. It is the administrative center of Saba.
History
The first European settlements occurred around 1640, by colonists from Zeeland. After a landslide destroyed their original settlement, these settlers established a village in The Bottom. After the Dutch settlers, Irish, English, and Scottish settlers followed, along with enslaved Africans, and the main language of the island's villages became English. The Bottom district had its own elected head, as did the other districts. In 1909, a navigation school opened in The Bottom; it operated until 1922. In 1992, the Saba University School of Medicine opened in The Bottom.
Infrastructure
The Bottom is home to the government offices, a hospital, a nursing home, Juliana Sports Field, three churches, a library, the Queen's Hotel resort, and various shops, restaurants, and bars. The Bottom is also the location of the Saba University School of Medicine.
Events
As capital of the island, The Bottom hosts a number of events throughout the year.
During the summer, the island's Carnival celebration (called Saba Carnival or Saba Summer Festival) takes place. Usually in late July, Saba Carnival is a weeklong festival that includes live music, food, dancing, games, and parades. Carnival Village, where the majority of the events take place, is located in The Bottom. Each night during the week, there is live music at Carnival Village. The jourvert parade (very early Saturday morning) begins in Windwardside and ends in The Bottom. The Grand Parade and the Second Parade take place in The Bottom on Saturday and Sunday. Locals and tourists congregate in The Bottom for the parades,
Another event held in The Bottom is Saba Day. This is the celebratory national day of the island, when all offices, schools and businesses are closed. The islanders honour their diversity and culture through various activities, performances and parades. The Bottom hosts a concert at the sports field, where local (and neighbouring) Caribbean artists come to perform. These stairs were used to bring cargo ashore and up to The Bottom.
- The Sandy Cruz Trail can begin in The Bottom near the Queen's Hotel, and end in Hell's Gate. The trail has views of Diamond Rock and the northern coastline.
</div>
Gallery
<gallery mode=packed>
File:The mayor of Saba.jpg|Saba's Government House
File:The Bottom Central Park with Fire Department (6549994025).jpg|Saba's Central Park with Fire Department
File:The Bottom, Saba's Capital (6549984361).jpg|The Bottom's signboard
File:Governor's residence, The Bottom, Saba Residentie van de gouverneur, The Bottom, Bestanddeelnr 935-1474.jpg|The Governor's residence
File:Wilma's house in Saba.jpg|Traditional Saban cottage in The Bottom
File:Saba University School of Medicine (6550000009).jpg|Saba University School of Medicine buildings
File:Saba Artisan Foundation (6549991327).jpg|Saba Artisan Foundation entrance
File:My Store- Your One Stop Shop (And Only Option) (6549994923).jpg|Grocery Store in The Bottom
File:Old Home Detail in The Bottom (6549993103).jpg|Building in The Bottom
File:The Bottom Raised Cemetery (6549987009).jpg|Raised cemetery in The Bottom
</gallery>