Montserrat is located approximately 480 km (300 miles) east-southeast of Puerto Rico and 48 km (30 miles) southwest of Antigua. The island is divided into 3 parishes,Saint Anthony, Saint Georges and Saint Peter Parish. In 2007 the island's population was estimated at 4,819.

Montserrat was discovered and named by Christopher Columbus in 1493. It was called Santa Maria de Montserrate after the Blessed Virgin of the Monastery of Montserrat located in Catalina Spain. Another name for the island is the "The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean"because of its resemblence to the coast of Ireland.

Montserrat fell under different rulings over a number of years. It fell under United Kingdom ruling in 1632 and around the same time Irish persons fleeing anti-Roman Catholic sentiment in St. Kitts settled there.

During the 1600's the slave population was about 70% irish. In 1782 France took over the island then it was given back to the UK through the Treaty of Paris. On March 17th 1798 there was a slave uprising which failed, this later led to Montserrat being one of the few places that celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. In 1967 Montserrat opted for colonial status.

Sometime during and after the 1700's the islands economy was based on sugar, rum, arrowroot and Sea Island cotton was established. Montserrat no longer exports these items but they do export sand and bottle their own water. Slavery was abolished in Montserrat in 1834.

When sugar prices began to fall in the 1900's Joseph Sturge formed the Montserrat Company, they bought up sugar estates which were now of no use and then the company planted lime trees which led to the production of the islands well known lime juice.

Montserrat is no stranger to the forces of nature back in 1989 the island was ravaged by Hurricane Hugo the tourism economy was almost wiped out but the island recovered and then the one who layed dormant awoke. In 1995 The Soufriere Hills volcano awoke from its slumber. The southern part of the island was declared unsafe and many were forced to leave their homes. On June 25th 1997 this force of nature claimed 19 lives and also destroyed the airport.

The island population dropped drastically due to people relocating overseas to restart their lives. Over the years those who stayed have been rebuilding in the Northen side of the island. A new airport was built then dedicated in February 2005 by Anne, Princess Royal and the facility was formally opened on July 11, 2005. It was then renamed John A. Osborne,longstanding Chief Minister of Montserrat, in July 2008. During 1997 to 2005 the only way off and on to the island was by helicopter and boat.

The volcano is still active, the island is still lush green, beautiful and peaceful. Montserration's are strong people, and so life must go on.