Antigua and Barbuda, a twin-island nation in the Caribbean, boasts a rich and varied history shaped by indigenous cultures, European colonization, and the rise and fall of the sugar industry. The earliest settlers, the Siboney, arrived around 2400 B.C., followed by the Arawaks and Caribs. Christopher Columbus first sighted Antigua in 1493, but European colonization did not begin until the English established a permanent settlement in 1632. The introduction of large-scale sugar cultivation by Sir Christopher Codrington in 1684 marked a significant economic shift. Over the centuries, Antigua became a strategic British naval base, endured the horrors of slavery, and eventually emerged as an independent nation in 1981, with a service-based economy heavily reliant on tourism.
Chronological history of Antigua and Barbuda
- 2400 B.C. – 35 A.D.: The earliest known inhabitants, the Siboney, settled in Antigua. Their presence is evidenced by finely crafted shell and stone tools.
- 35 – 1100 A.D.: The Arawaks, a pastoral and agricultural people, established communities in Antigua, followed by the more aggressive Caribs.
- 1493: Christopher Columbus visited Antigua during his second voyage and named the island after the Church of Santa Maria la Antigua in Seville, Spain.
- 1632: English settlers from St. Kitts established the first permanent European colony in Antigua, primarily focused on tobacco farming.
- 1684: Sir Christopher Codrington arrived in Antigua, introducing large-scale sugar cultivation, which became the island’s primary industry.
- 1678: Barbuda was colonized, and in 1685, the British Crown granted it to the Codrington family, who used it for provisioning their sugar plantations.
- 18th Century: Antigua served as a key British naval base. English Harbour Dockyard was expanded and fortified, becoming the headquarters of the British Royal Navy’s Caribbean fleet.
- 1784: Admiral Horatio Nelson arrived to enforce British maritime laws, building the Nelson’s Dockyard, which remains a historical site today.
- 1834: Slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire, and Antigua uniquely chose immediate full emancipation without a transition period. This significant event is commemorated annually during Antigua’s Carnival.
- 1840s: Economic hardships struck due to the decline of the sugar industry, exacerbated by a devastating earthquake in 1843 and a hurricane in 1847.
- 1939: A British Crown commission recommended the formation of trade unions to address labour issues. The Antigua Trades and Labour Union, led by V.C. Bird, emerged as a significant political force.
- 1951: The Antigua Labour Party (ALP), founded by V.C. Bird and trade unionists, won its first election, marking the beginning of Bird’s lengthy political influence.
- 1967: Antigua, along with Barbuda and Redonda, became an associated state of the Commonwealth, gaining more autonomy from Britain.
- 1981: Antigua and Barbuda achieved full independence from Britain, with V.C. Bird becoming the first Prime Minister. His leadership laid the foundation for the new nation.
- Modern Era: Antigua and Barbuda developed a service-based economy, heavily reliant on tourism. The nation faces seasonal economic challenges due to its dependence on this industry.
From its early indigenous inhabitants to its status as a modern independent state, the history of Antigua and Barbuda reflects resilience and adaptation. The islands’ journey through colonization, economic upheavals, and political transformation highlights significant events such as the establishment of the sugar industry, the abolition of slavery, and the rise of the labor movement. Today, while tourism drives its economy, the nation’s rich historical legacy remains a cornerstone of its identity, celebrating a vibrant cultural heritage and a commitment to progress.
