[3] It soon developed into one of the major centres of the Atlantic slave trade which triggered a rapid population growth.

[3] In 1707, the town of Otrobanda was established on the other side of Sint Anna Bay, and the suburb of Scharloo followed, however Willemstad continued to experience growth.

[5] On 13 May 1861, a decision was made to demolish the city walls, construct a wharf in the vacant area, and built residential houses in the gap separating Willemstad from Pietermaai.

A schism followed, resulting in the Jesurun family leaving the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue and founding Tempel Emanu-el [nl].

[10][9] In 1997, the historic centre of Willemstad including Pietermaai was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site.