By R.L. Cultrona
The History of St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis are two of the
Caribbean's most beautiful islands. They were first inhabited by the Arawak and Carib Indians, who moved from
South America through the islands between 5,000 and 7,000 years ago. Rich history combined with location make these islands a virtual paradise to travelers.
Columbus
Christopher Columbus spotted the islands in 1493. He dubbed one St. Christopher, which was shortened to St. Kitts. He named the other Nevis, which is short for Nuestro del las Nieves---Our Lady of the Snows---because of a halo of clouds around the island.
St. Kitts Colonization
St. Kitts was colonized in 1623 by the English and by the French two years later. Both the English and the French branched and colonized various other Caribbean Islands, including St. Kitts' neighbor, Nevis. St. Kitts changed hands between England and France several times until 1783, when it became England's in the Treaty of Versailles.
Settlers to Nevis
Nevis was settled by the English tobacco farmers in 1628. Tobacco soon fell by the wayside due to the superior product coming from Virgina, and sugar became the new cash crop of the island. It made the island wealthy and a target for pirates and nations jealous of Nevis' wealth.
The 19th Century
With Britain's abolition of slavery in 1834, hard times fell on both islands---since much of their industry was slave-based farming. With no real economic safety net and multiple natural disasters, the islands quickly fell into poverty.
Today
Tourism has revitalized this area of the Caribbean.
Resources
About the Author:
R.L. Cultrona is a San Diego native and a graduate of San Diego State University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in theater, television and film with a minor in communications and political science. She began writing online instructional articles in June 2009.
Photo Credits:
http://www.parexcellencerealtors.com/GFXZ/St%20Kitts%20-%20Nevis.jpg
