3 Rivers is set in The Newfoundland Estate, which was itself formed on part of the old Rosalie Estatre. The Rosalie Estate is situated on the east coast on banks of the Rosalie River. It was one of the largest estates on the island, totaling 2,081 acres

Dominica in the late twenties was seeing major change as mulattos, whites and blacks jostled for their place in society. Vibrant communities were been established around former estates . A noted community was springing up around the Rosalie estate, which for years had provided some means for the surrounding villagers whose forebears had worked as slaves on this estate. The Rosalie Estate, where the school, church and Police Station were located, was a-buzz with activities. Quite a sizable population of estate workers lived in houses provided by the owner of the Rosalie Estate, Miss Johnson. She was a white heiress who later married Mr. Gerard Winston, a native mulatto who was quite a chanticleer it was rumoured. Rosalie rum was said to be the best rum manufactured in Dominica, and people came from all over the state to buy this rum. They transported the rum in barrels by boat, and in five gallon demi-johns by head. This was done almost daily but more so on Saturdays and especially at Christmas-time.

On Sundays the villagers of Morne Jaune, Riviere Cyrique and Grand Fond joined with the residents of Rosalie for Holy Mass. During the children's First Communion and Confirmation ceremonies Rosalie was a bee hive of feasting and carousing.

Since the 1960s much of it has been sub-divided and sold off. It produced sugar, cocoa, limes, bananas and coconuts at various times in its history. The first British owners included Governor William Stuart and in the 19th-20th century the Johnson family. One of the leading maroon chiefs of the 18th century, recorded as "born in Guinea", was the chief of a maroon camp in the centre of the island near Bells, who became famous for leading an attack on Rosalie Estate in December 1785. He was betrayed by a fellow slave of Belfast Estate and shot by a squad of Black Rangers in 1786. He was brought to Roseau and exposed on a gibbet, where he took a week to die. This event was the inspiration for the song at the time "Balla mort, bois gatay", (Balla is dead, the woods are spoilt).

After emancipation a village developed around the estate yard, but when new owners, Messrs. Leach and Tabor, took over in the 1950s the land was reclaimed and the villagers were evicted and were forced to dismantle their houses and disperse to the settlements at Grand Fond and Riviere Cyrique. The church was abandoned and fell into ruin, but in the 1990s it was restored and is now the site of the Diocesan Retreat Centre.

Today the old Rosalie estate is an incredible area to visit, with plenty of history it's still visible. The ruins of an aqueduct and sugar works are still standing and the site of the old estate house can be seen on the hill above the works near to the modern estate house. The beach itself is stunning, and as well as being a popular nesting ground for all kinds of sea turtle, is also great for surfing. Guided historical tours of the area are available as part of our community life activities.