Rooted In History

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Nevis Island History

The history of Nevis island is as rich and captivating as its landscapes. From the first Carib settlers to the colonial era and the rise of the sugar trade, the island’s legacy is written in stone and time, echoing into the present. An island of “firsts,” its people carry their heritage with pride, honouring the past while embracing the future.

Island of “Firsts”

Hospitality

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Hospitality

Home to the Bath Hotel—the first in the Caribbean—the island’s legacy of warm, genuine welcomes has endured for more than two centuries.

Architecture

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Architecture

The oldest surviving wooden house in the Caribbean is the Great House at The Hermitage on Nevis, while much of the capital, Charlestown, remains preserved in its original, historic state.

Caribbean History

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Caribbean History

Settled in 1628, this is the oldest British colony in the Caribbean, and home to its first integrated church. Nevis became independent on September 19, 1983.

International History

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International History

The only U.S. Founding Father born in the Caribbean, Nevisian Alexander Hamilton was First Secretary of the Treasury, founder of the Bank of New York and the US Coast Guard, and wrote the Federalist Papers.

Preservation

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Preservation

The Montpelier Plantation dates back to 1740, and is historically significant for having one of the island’s first wind-powered sugar mills, restored and rebuilt as Mill Privée restaurant.

Well-Known Nevisians

Alexander Hamilton

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Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers, was born on Nevis. His early years on the island shaped the vision that would define his legacy.

Lord Horatio Nelson

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One of Britain’s most celebrated naval heroes forged a deep connection to the island, where he married Nevisian Frances Nisbet in a union that intertwined his story with Nevis’ own.

Rupert Crosse

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The trailblazing actor and first Black performer nominated for an Academy Award—for Best Actor in a Leading Role—proudly traced his roots to Nevis.

Eulalie Spence

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Eulalie Spence, the pioneering playwright and educator, was born on Nevis. She was a key figure in America's Harlem Renaissance movement.

Cicely Tyson

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The daughter of Nevisian immigrants, the legendary American actress earned Emmy, Tony, and Honorary Academy Awards for her powerful and nuanced portrayals of Black women.

Melanie Brown

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Born to a Nevisian father and British mother, Mel B. of the Spice Girls became a defining voice of ’90s pop music before expanding her career into television, writing, and advocacy.

The Island’s Story

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THE FIRST SETTLERS

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First known as ‘Oualie,’ meaning 'Land of Beautiful Waters,' the island was a sanctuary of peace, where Carib settlers from South America thrived amidst its natural beauty.

OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS

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In the late 1400s, European explorers began charting Caribbean land and waters. Captivated by the clouds draped over its central peak, Columbus named the island “Nuestra Señora de las Nieves.”

COLONIZATION

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In the 1600s, the British arrived on Nevis, transforming it into a hub for the sugar trade. Its wealth shaped the island’s—and the Caribbean's—economy, leaving behind grand estates and a complex legacy.

THE FIRST HOTEL

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Built in 1778, the Bath Hotel was the first in the Caribbean. A visionary retreat, it drew visitors from around the world to Nevis’s soothing hot springs and stunning landscapes.

FREEDOM

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With the abolition of slavery in 1834, Nevisian communities flourished, cultivating a heritage of independence, creativity, and pride that continues to define the island today.

INDEPENDENCE

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On September 19, 1983, Nevis broke free from British rule, becoming a proud and sovereign nation. This moment of independence marked the beginning of a new chapter.

PRESENT DAY

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Today, Nevis honours its storied past and vibrant culture with celebrations that weave together its heritage and natural beauty. The island invites locals and visitors alike to embrace its spirit and sense of belonging.

Historical Sites

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“Everyone on the island knows each other. We have a million stories to share.”

Wentworth Smith, Chef at Four Seasons Resort
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“Tourists love to see the Mocko Jumbies. They take pictures with us, and shake our hands.”

Glenville Fahie, Mocko Jumbies
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