Nevis Island History
The first European to spot Nevis island, predictably, was Christopher Columbus, who sailed by Nevis island in 1493. The conical cloud-ringed shape of Nevis island - an extinct volcano complete with crater - reminded him so much of the snow-capped Pyrenees mountains that he dubbed it Nuestra Senora de Las Nieves, or "Our Lady of the Snows". Nevis island had been inhabited by Arawak, and then Carib natives, who were gradually replaced as the English first set up permanent settlements there, establishing tobacco and sugar plantations in the mid 17th century. The inevitable tug-of-war over Nevis island ensued between the English and the other major powers in the Caribbean, the Spanish and French, with Britain finally taking control of both resource-rich Nevis island and St. Kitts in 1783.
Nevis island remained a British holding until 1967, after which it was considered an associated state along with neighboring St. Kitts. While agriculture was in decline, this period saw Nevis island become a haven for the rich and famous, who sought refuge on its secluded beaches and sleepy villages. Economic revitalization on both islands led to St. Kitts and Nevis island achieving official independent statehood in 1983. Nevis island has its own parliament and a constitutional arrangement with provisions allowing for a possible separation of Nevis island from St. Kitts. A Nevis island referendum in 1998 saw just under the required two-thirds of the population vote for sovereignty. Nevis island is far from politically unstable, however - the laid-back spirit of this place reigns supreme in all aspects of life, including politics.
If you're interested in visiting Nevis island we recommend that you search our luxury Nevis island villas. Click here to view a selection of the best villa rentals in Nevis.
Nevis General Island Info
Nevis Island History
Nevis Airport Information
Nevis Restaurants
Nevis Water Sports
Nevis Golf
Nevis Activities
Nevis Weddings
Nevis Island Tours
Nevis Transportation
Nevis Security and Health
Nevis Shopping
Nevis Telecommunications
Nevis Travel
Nevis Map
Nevis Weather
|
|
