RSSThe Historical Sites of Antigua
May 29
Vacation Destinations No Comments
Antigua’s beautiful white sand beaches and blue waters coupled with it’s friendly people, great Caribbean cuisine and the beats of the steel drum bands make for a fantastic beach vacation. But the Island’s rich history also plays host to history seeking tourist buffs who want to enjoy the historic sites of the Island as well.
Sir Christopher Codrington arrived on the Island in 1684 where he implemented a large scale sugarcane industry that flourished for over 50 years. The island still hosts remnants of the cane processing wind mill towers in and about the island. The African heritage of the island began with slaves brought for work in the sugarcane fields.
In 1784 Horatio Nelson a British Naval officer came and built the British naval facilities now known as Nelson’s Dockyard. In 1834 the British abolished slavery in Antigua. In 1967 Antigua became a member of the commonwealth and then in 1981 claimed itself as an independent state.
Today Nelson’s dockyard has been refurbished and is known as Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. It is host to thousands of sailing ships and yachts some of which are serviced and built right in the harbor. Quite a site of old historic landmarks, old refurbished and the new advanced technical ships. The observation peak of this old naval base Shirley Heights boasts a magnificent view which on a clear day include the neighboring islands of Montserrat and Gaudaloupe. On Sunday evenings Shirley Heights is transformed into a cultural celebration with steel bands playing and a Caribbean barbeque.
The capital city of St. John’s also hosts the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda which houses some of the ancient artifacts from the early sugarcane industry, the Naval settlements and the bat of one of Antigua’s greatest cricket players.
So those not just seeking the best beaches in the Caribbean but a bit of history, will find there is much to explore on the island of Antigua.