St John’s, Antigua
The island of Antigua, formed by lava being emitted from submarine volcanoes, is known to have been inhabited since 2400 BC.
It is claimed that there are 365 beaches on the island of Antigua, one for every day of the year, and there is a perfect climate to help enjoy those beaches. North east trade winds prevail and help in keeping the air comfortable, with low humidity, and in tempering the mid 20s C temperatures.
Antigua became an independent nation in 1981 but the love of cricket has remained. Cricket is played here on any day, at any time, and has produced a number of world level cricketers.
Richie Richardson, Viv Richards, Curtly Ambrose and Andy Roberts, to name a few.
Christopher Columbus is considered to be the first European to show interest in this island and named it after the church of Santa Maria de la Antigua, in Seville, Spain.
In 1632, the British colonized the island and the arrival of Sir Christopher Codrington in 1684, triggered development of large scale sugar cane cultivation.
In the 18th century, Antigua was chosen as the base for the British Royal Navy in the Caribbean, which resulted in a long period of maritime development and prosperity.
Admiral Horatio Nelson sailed into Antigua in 1784 and not too long after, the port began it’s development into Britain’s most important military base in the Caribbean.
The 19th century Nelson’s dockyard, located at English Harbour, and one time home of the British naval fleet of the Leeward Islands, has more recently become a museum and national park.
A dockyard visit should be a high priority on any visitor’s to do list.
Our walking tour of the town was a leisurely stroll of a little more than 4 hours, which included a 90 minute visit to the museum.
At the museum, we learned something about the slave history of the island and the associated production of sugar cane, and rum.
We also learned of the many shipwrecks of slave ships, and general trading ships, on arrival into the treacherous local waters, after a minimum six week, for a fast vessel, passage from England, Europe or Africa.
Many of these ships remain in place, relatively untouched, as memorials to the many who lost their lives at the end of a long and arduous journey.
It is claimed that there are 365 beaches on the island of Antigua, one for every day of the year, and there is a perfect climate to help enjoy those beaches. North east trade winds prevail and help in keeping the air comfortable, with low humidity, and in tempering the mid 20s C temperatures.
Antigua became an independent nation in 1981 but the love of cricket has remained. Cricket is played here on any day, at any time, and has produced a number of world level cricketers.
Richie Richardson, Viv Richards, Curtly Ambrose and Andy Roberts, to name a few.
Christopher Columbus is considered to be the first European to show interest in this island and named it after the church of Santa Maria de la Antigua, in Seville, Spain.
In 1632, the British colonized the island and the arrival of Sir Christopher Codrington in 1684, triggered development of large scale sugar cane cultivation.
In the 18th century, Antigua was chosen as the base for the British Royal Navy in the Caribbean, which resulted in a long period of maritime development and prosperity.
Admiral Horatio Nelson sailed into Antigua in 1784 and not too long after, the port began it’s development into Britain’s most important military base in the Caribbean.
The 19th century Nelson’s dockyard, located at English Harbour, and one time home of the British naval fleet of the Leeward Islands, has more recently become a museum and national park.
A dockyard visit should be a high priority on any visitor’s to do list.
Our walking tour of the town was a leisurely stroll of a little more than 4 hours, which included a 90 minute visit to the museum.
At the museum, we learned something about the slave history of the island and the associated production of sugar cane, and rum.
We also learned of the many shipwrecks of slave ships, and general trading ships, on arrival into the treacherous local waters, after a minimum six week, for a fast vessel, passage from England, Europe or Africa.
Many of these ships remain in place, relatively untouched, as memorials to the many who lost their lives at the end of a long and arduous journey.
Approaching Antigua in very calm weather.
Warm and a little overcast - perfect walking weather.
Overview of town from our berth in St John’s
Very few crosswalks in this town means much caution is required
when crossing roads.
Check left, check right, check again, and again, and if there is a gap in the slow moving traffic,
let the driver know your intention and cross with purpose.
Good luck!
Very narrow streets, narrow and very uneven sidewalks,
and an over abundance of vehicles.
Cultural development office building
Example of the numerous colourful buildings in the streets of St John’s
The small museum is housed within a single room of this impressive
and well preserved building from the late colonial era.
We learned something about the island’s geology, archeology,
amerindians, colonial history and something about the era of slavery.
Examples of Imperial system weights and measures
circa 1813
Busy workmen ensure the museum and grounds remain in good repair.
Behind the workmen are two of the four old steam locomotives on display at the museum.
Artifacts recovered from one of the many ships which have
foundered in local waters after completing the extremely
long journey from Europe or West Africa
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