Antigua And Barbuda Travel Guides for Backpackers
Historical Sites to Visit in Antigua
If you're a history buff like me, the Caribbean islands provide a treasure trove of sites and artifacts to marvel at. What I particularly love about the island of Antigua is that a lot of old structures are still standing and many have been restored. And unlike in the States, one can still see remnants of the trans-atlantic slave trade. The following are some of the most memorable sites I visited during my stay on the island. You will discover that there is is a lot more to the island than white sandy beaches, nightlife, and tasty island cuisine. FYI the best way to get around from point to point is by car. The Cannons at Fort James The little island of Antigua boasts a whopping three hundred and sixty-five beaches—that’s a different beach for every day of the year. Fort James, named after King James II of England, is located on the South side of the island. It is home to some of the island's hotspots such as Beach Limerz and Millers By The Sea where you can taste exotic island cuisine as well as traditional favorites while being entertained by local musicians. The actual structure of the fort is located on the top of a hill overlooking the harbor. These ruins can be explored, Tomb Raider style. The view of the ocean from the top of the hill is breathtaking. The edge of the hill is dotted with cast iron cannons. They’re a bit rusty but they’re definitely a sight to see. And they make great props for photos. So we’ve got cannons, the ruins of an old fort, and a stunning view. Nelson’s Dockyard at English Harbor Nelson’s Dockyard is one of the most historical sites on the island. It is named after the English Lord, Admiral Horatio Nelson. It is a fortress in a lagoon with only one way in and one way out. It’s surrounded by hills with cannons. It’s highest point is called Shirley Heights. On the journey from England to the islands, many of the boats grew barnacles, and enslaved Africans were used to do the most dangerous work of repairing the ships. English Harbor was used as a repair point for the ships before setting them off to England. The stones used in the fortress’s construction were imported from England. The house of the admiral has been restored as a museum. Pillars of Hercules and Indian Creek Another exciting sight to see here are the Pillars of Hercules, several forms of solid rock carved by the wind and rain. It’s located close to Indian Creek, another historic site. Indian Creek was an original dwelling for the Arawak Indians. In recent years, many of their canoes have been excavated here. On top of a hill, just above the Pillars of Hercules, are a variety of barrel shaped cacti. These cacti are three to five hundred years old. From this vantage point, you can also see one of Eric Clapton’s summer houses, nestled on the top […]Load More