During the early British period Mauritius was still under a high development phase, and Port Louis at that time was the main town knowing the most constructions and outcomes and the fact that the harbour was there, it was obviously the busiest place too. The Labourdonnais Square was yet just empty space with trees only along the Place D’Armes leading to the Government House and on the opposite side the harbour was a few steps behind (relative to the image).

This place was and is still famous for being a taxi spot and even back then, horse-carriages played that role for public transport. Even though the railways were present since 1864, other means of local and short-distance transport was much required.

Many colonial buildings were already present, including the Bank of Mauritius building (currently the HSBC Bank) and more on La Chaussee Street not seen on this image but at the far-right end.

Click here to view our Port Louis gallery on Facebook