The British era of the islands' history covers only a short period of time. Archaeologists' research name the prehistoric settlements in the Grenadines as the last intact chronological evidence of South American cultures migration to the area. Buried in the scrub and soil, the Archaeologists found a great diversity of ceramic styles from these migrations.
Roughly hewn stone and shell tools and axes made by stone-age men more than 7000 years ago are found in the islands. These tools belonged to a group of hunter-gatherers, the Ciboneys, who explored and lived on the islands eating fruit and berries, seashells and the pink conch.
More than 200 years before Christ, another culture traveling in 50 foot dugout canoes arrived in these islands. The Arawaks carried fire-burners, animals and plants. During a 1500 year period the West Indian islands were peaceful, but the peaceful Arawaks could not survive another invading people, the Caribs.
In 1498 on his third voyage, Christopher Columbus sighted a new island. Hairoun, the Indian name for the island, "was a land blessed with rainbows, mist, fertile valleys and sun." Columbus named the island "St. Vincent" after the Spanish saint.
In 1595, Sir Walter Raleigh visited St. Vincent briefly and came away with the impression that the island was inhabited by cannibals and savages. The Caribs of St. Vincent, living in the densely forested, mountainous interior were able to resist European settlement longer than any other island in the Caribbean, and it was nearly 200 years before any Europeans were able to settle on the islands.
A Dutch slave ship, wrecked off Bequia in 1675, brought the first Africans who inter-married to create the Black Caribs whose descendants live here today.
Fought over for nearly a century by the French and British, sovereignty was settled on the British in 1783. Today, St Vincent and The Grenadines is an independent democracy and part of the British Commonwealth.
The fascinating blend of African, Indian, Asian and European influences are expressed in the lifestyle of the people; through religion, sport, music, cuisine, arts and crafts. The annual Vincy Mas' carnival is a showcase for the best in calypso singing, steelpan orchestras, soca music and masquerade costumes. Cricket and soccer matches are played and watched with a passion.
From the mist-shrouded heights of La Soufriere volcano to the crystalline depths of sparkling reefs, St Vincent and the Grenadines have something to offer everyone;
history, legend, and natural wonders.
Kingstown's colonial influence is beautifully captured in many fine churches and public buildings.
Anglican Cathedral, Kingstown
St George's Anglican cathedral has brightly painted Georgian architecture and a controversial stained-glass window, while St Mary's Catholic church displays an amazing mix of architectural styles - Moorish, Romanesque and Georgian - all fashioned out of dark volcanic-sand bricks.
Lovers of organ music will enjoy a visit to the Methodist church with its intricately detailed pipe organ.
Along busy Bay Street, pause to admire the Police Station, built in 1875. Nearby Cobblestone Inn, dating back to 1813 was once the home of an exiled African king. The waterfront has fine examples of the 19th century homes.
West of Kingstown, over 600 feet above the bay, is Fort Charlotte. Constructed in 1806, the old barracks now houses a museum with a
colorful history of the Black Caribs depicted on its walls.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is an independent state with a stable, democratic government. Formerly part of the British colony of the Windward Islands from 1871 to 1969, it became a British Associated State for 10 years prior to full independence in 1979. The governmental system is based on the British system. English, with a unique Vincentian/British accent is spoken throughout the islands.
