The Birth Of Nevis
Colombus was the first to discover Nevis Island, but what he found was a beautiful island already inhabited by the Arawak Indians.
It is not known how long they were here before Colombus’ 1493 discovery, but his discovery led to a huge European over-taking. This precious island known as the “Queen of the Carribees” became the place for slave trading and thriving sugar plantations.
An Important Look back into the building blocks of this Beautiful Island ~ NEVIS, WEST INDIES
The indigenous Arawaks and Caribs who, after the Europeans came, were forced to leave the island. The Arawaks named the island “Dulcina” - “Sweet Island” whereas the Caribs referred to it as “Oualie” - “Land of Beautiful Waters”. Centuries later, Nevis was one of the island used in the slave trade because of its fertile land and was used to produce sugar and other crops. It became one the leading sugar producer in the region, producing the richest sugar, thus the island was referred to as Nevis - “Queen of the Caribbees”. Today Nevis is still referred to as the Queen of the Caribbees.
In addition to its rich sugar, Nevis gathered international fame from two famous men. The first was Alexander Hamilton who was born in Nevis on 11 January 1757. Hamilton later became the 1st Secretary of the United States Treasury. His birthplace was reconstructed in 1983 in commemoration of St. Kitts and Nevis independence and today houses the Museum of Nevis History. The other statesman was Lord Horatio Nelson, a British admiral who was posted to Nevis. Because of his leadership in battle, France’s naval power was broken, and Britain rules the seas for the remainder of the 19th Century was assured. Nelson married Nevisian beauty Fanny Nisbet in 1787 at Montpelier Estate under a silk cotton tree, which today is one of the famous stops for tourist visiting the island. The Nelson museum is commemorated to his honor and depicts life on Nevis during his time.
Because of Nevis’ rich prosperity, the British and French warred for rights to this island. This right was won by Britain thus Nevis and its larger sister St. Kitts became one of its colonies and remained that way until 1967 when St. Kitts and Nevis gained Associated Statehood. On 19th September 1983, both islands became a democratic independent state with close historical, economic and institutional ties to other islands of the Caribbean. Nevis shares the constitution of the Federal Parliament, but maintains a separate parliament of its own and run its own affairs headed by a Premier. Information courtesy Nevis’ Tourism Department
Just as any other land on this earth, people have undergone inhumane treatment and many trying transitions as the world struggled to grow and politics and government have battled for power since the biginning of time. Nevis survived being pushed around and tossed between nations. It is a beautiful, proud and independent land where it’s CULTURE and ETHNIC background are held high and preserved by Nevis Natives.
Their beautiful display of CUSTOMS can be seen anywhere on the isalnd, but are always celebrated through various annual festivals, events and activities. The Nevis Museums proudly preserve it’s history.
Check out this list of the Heritage and Historical Sites on Nevis
One must delve into the touching Nevis History while on a Magical Nevis Vacation!
NEVIS LOVER ~ Becca Briley 
