Antigua: The History Lover's Caribbean Paradise

 Antigua: The History Lover's Caribbean Paradise

As most students of history will tell you, there is little point to traveling for vacation if that travel does not take you somewhere with historical significance. While you can find historical significance just about anywhere, we can all agree that standing in the footprints of history while sipping a daiquiri on an exotic beach is probably a slight measure more appealing. Since the most convenient tropical paradise exists just south and east of the U.S. in the Caribbean, I will focus my attention there. Zoom into the mass of tiny islands and one 87 square kilometer dot stands out. It lies just east of Nevis and at the most northern tip of the ring of islands known as the Lesser Antilles. This is Antigua.

From Christopher Columbus' 1493 visit, the island remained untouched until the British settled there in 1632. From there sugarcane plantations sprung up, requiring the importation of thousands of West African slaves. Later, in the 18th century, the island became home to the British Caribbean Fleet battling Caribbean piracy and was the headquarters of Admiral Horatio Nelson, who you might recall is rather famous for his exploits during the Napoleonic Wars. Contrast his later fame and reputation with his staunch enforcement of the Navigation Acts and militant opposition of the Abolitionist movement.

There are several historical sites to visit on the island - chiefly Fort James (named after King James II of England) and Fort Barrington (named after a French Admiral), both built to guard the harbor entrance of St. John's. Fort Barrington saw the most military action, being captured and liberated from French aggressors in 1652. The site as it stands now was built in the late 1700's. Fort James is the best preserved ruin on Antigua, with the fort's wall, foundation, powder magazine, and several cannons still remaining. Perched above Nelson's Dockyard is the Blockhouse, a brick ruin that once contained officer and servant's quarters as well as stables and a cistern. These sites let you stand where English and French soldiers did, to survey the bay and squint into the sunset ever watchful for full canvas sails of friendly - or enemy - ships.

Nelson's Dockyard itself is a treasure trove of historical artifacts and history. After construction in the 1740's, the docks included Officer Quarters, the Guard House, the Porter's Lodge, two Mast Houses, the Capstan House, and a Canvas, Cordage and Clothing Store. The English abandoned the dock in the late 1880's, causing it to fall into disrepair and eventual decay. Because the area was abandoned, many artifacts remained, in addition to the architecture. in 1951 the Friends of the English Harbor Yacht Club began renovating and restoring the site. The Dockyard Museum now occupies the old Tar and Pitch Store. 

As always, familiarize yourself with the latest travel advisories and restrictions before you plan your visit.