A short history of Nevis

Nevis is steeped in history and sights include the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, now the Nevis History Museum, Charlestown and old churches such as St Thomas' Lowland Church. Here’s a brief outline of Nevis' fascinating history:

1493: Nevis is discovered by Columbus where he meets the Amerindian people who have been living on Nevis for over two thousand years. The Amerindian name for Nevis was Oualie, land of beautiful waters.

1607: Captain James Smith of England sails to Nevis and settles in Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the New World.

1834: Slavery is abolished in the British Empire and 8,815 slaves are freed from slavery on Nevis. This historical emancipation of the Nevisian people is celebrated today during Nevis' Culturama festival every July.

1882: Nevis is united with neighbouring island St. Kitts but it isn't until 1983 that the island becomes fully independent.

1954: Nevis gets electricity and over the next few decades continues to develop and modernise. Restrictions on flights and lack of cruise ships to the island ensure Nevis is accessible whilst remaining the secluded gem of the Caribbean.