ST. KITTS
History | Food & Drink | Sports & Recreation | Sightseeing

St. Kitts' History
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When Christopher Columbus discovered the island in 1493, the explorer named the island St. Christopher, but the British adopted the diminution St. Kitts after Sir Thomas Warner established a settlement, the first English colony in the West Indies, at Old Road Town in 1623. After changing hands several times, the islands fell under British rule in 1783. Evidence of turbulent history remains in the battlegrounds and ruined forts on St. Kitts. Today, inhabitants pursue the more peaceful activities of accommodating tourists and growing sugarcane, sea island cotton, and other products.

On Sept. 19, 1983, St. Kitts' flag symbolizing a new nation replaced the British Union Jack. The governmental structure included a prime minister, governor-general and legislature.

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St. Kitts' Food & Drink
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The cuisine of St. Kitts is highlighted with exotic Caribbean and continental flavors. St. Kitts' own Carib Beer is a good complement to a hearty West Indian meal. Two other local products - Ting, a grapefruit-based soft drink, and CSR (Cane Spirit Rothschild), distilled from fresh cane juice - make a fine blend.

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St. Kitts' Sports & Recreation
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Good beaches are found along the south coast and the southeast peninsula. An 18-hole golf course lies on the narrowest portion of the island between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Many area hotels provide evening entertainment. Jack Tar Village-Royal St. Kitts Resort features the only fully operational gaming casino.

The waters between St. Kitts and Nevis are the final resting place for more than 390 ships sunk 1492-1825, yet only about a dozen sites have been identified. Experienced divers can explore many of the sites.

Water sports at Turtle Beach on the southeast peninsula include scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and sailing.

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St. Kitts' Sightseeing
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Basseterre

Bordering a harbor on the island's southern end, Basseterre is the principal city and capital of St. Kitts. The town has preserved many early examples of West Indian and Georgian architecture.

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park

Nine miles west of Basseterre on a hill 800 feet above the sea, this massive British fortress was built by slaves over a 100-year period beginning in the late 1600's. Brimstone Hill was so intimidating that ships captains often changed course rather than come within range of its powerful guns. Visitors can explore the fortress and enjoy the panoramic view that inspired Queen Elizabeth II to declare this site a national monument in 1985.

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