At the beginning of the 20th century (before the discovery of oil), Point Fortin was an agricultural community with three distinct and separately owned cocoa and coconut estates.

Employment was provided for a small number of workers who depended on the estates for their living accommodation as well as their food and other supplies.

The change from an agricultural to an oil based economy made a significant impact in Point Fortin.

This encouraged families to settle in the area, and coupled with a growth in the commercial sector, brought about such facilities as a post office, police station as well as other governmental agencies and banks.

However the economic revival was only achieved in the early 1970s as a result of the Oil boom and the acquisition of Shell Trinidad Limited by the government.