St. John's history

The city of St. John's, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, possesses a rich history closely interwoven with the colonial past of the Caribbean.

Foundation and First Mentions

The settlement at the site of modern-day St. John's was founded by English colonists in 1632, shortly after their arrival on the island of Antigua. Thanks to its strategically advantageous position, it quickly transformed into the administrative centre of the colony. The official status of the city and trading post was consolidated in the following decades, which contributed to its growth and development.

Key Factors of Development

Several key factors contributed to the city's development:

• Geographical Location: St. John's is situated around a deep-water natural harbour, which served as a secure shelter and convenient port for sailing vessels.
• Trade: Beginning in the 18th century, the city became the hub of a thriving sugar industry. Sugar and rum produced on the island's plantations were exported from here. The port played a central role in trading operations, including a tragic chapter of history — the slave trade.
• Political Power: From the early years of colonisation, St. John's was the seat of the British administration and served as the island's main political centre for centuries.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The early history of St. John's is inextricably linked to British colonial rule and an economy based on sugar cane plantations. This economic model was entirely dependent on the labour of enslaved Africans, whose descendants make up the majority of the population today. The city's architecture reflected British influence, while its economic prosperity was built on sugar production, which shaped a complex social structure and left a deep imprint on the capital's cultural heritage.

Key Dates in the History of St. John's

The history of St. John's is a living chronicle reflecting a colonial past, the struggle for freedom, and the rise of a Caribbean capital. From its foundation as a British outpost to its transformation into a bustling tourist hub, the city has passed through many trials and triumphs.

• 1632 — English colonists establish a permanent settlement on the site of the future St. John's, laying the foundation for the administrative centre of Antigua.
• 1681 — The first wooden church is erected on the site of the future St. John's Cathedral, becoming the spiritual centre for the growing settlement.
• 1739 — Construction of Fort James begins to protect the harbour from pirates and enemy fleets, highlighting the city's strategic importance.
• 1745 — A strong earthquake destroys the first St. John's church building, leading to the start of construction on a new, more durable stone temple in 1746.
• 1834 — The abolition of slavery in the British Empire marks a turning point in the social and economic life of St. John's, where the majority of the population consisted of enslaved Africans.
• 1843 — A powerful earthquake once again causes serious damage to the city, including the second cathedral building, necessitating its large-scale reconstruction.
• 1845 — The first stone is laid for the foundation of the third, current St. John's Cathedral building, which would become one of the capital's most recognisable symbols.
• 1951 — The introduction of universal suffrage becomes an important step towards self-governance and the country's future independence.
• 1967 — Antigua receives the status of a "State Associated with the United Kingdom," and St. John's becomes the capital of a territory with full internal self-government.
• 1981 — On November 1, Antigua and Barbuda gains full independence from the United Kingdom, and St. John's officially becomes the capital of the new sovereign state.
• 1982 — The National Archives of Antigua and Barbuda opens, testifying to the growing attention towards preserving national history and cultural heritage.
• 1985 — The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda opens in the former courthouse building, dedicated to the history of the islands from pre-Columbian times to the present day.

Major Milestones in the Development of St. John's

The history of St. John's reflects the key transformations of the Caribbean region. From a colonial port to a modern tourist centre, the city has passed through several iconic stages that defined its current appearance and economy.

• Colonial Port and Sugar Trade Centre (17th–18th Centuries): The founding of the city around a natural harbour predetermined its fate. St. John's became a key port in the British West Indies for sugar exports, which shaped its early economy and urban structure based on trade and maritime shipping.
• Construction of Fortifications (Late 17th – 18th Centuries): The erection of forts, such as Fort James, was a crucial urban planning stage. The fortifications protected the thriving trade from pirates and enemy fleets, ensuring the colony's economic stability.
• Abolition of Slavery (1834): This event became a profound socio-economic transformation. It put an end to the plantation system based on slave labour and launched a slow but irreversible process of forming a new society and labour market.
• Reconstruction After Natural Disasters (18th–19th Centuries): The repeated destruction of the city by earthquakes and its subsequent restoration, including the construction of the current St. John's Cathedral, demonstrate the resilience of the residents. These events shaped the modern architectural look of the city centre, highlighted by the cathedral's famous Baroque towers.
• Becoming a Political Capital (1967–1981): Obtaining the status of capital, first of an associated state (1967) and then of the independent country of Antigua and Barbuda in 1981, cemented St. John's role as the nation's main political, administrative, and cultural centre.
• Tourism Development (Late 20th – Early 21st Centuries): Reorienting the economy from agriculture to tourism became the main vector of development in the modern era. The construction of cruise terminals, such as Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay, and the development of tourism infrastructure radically changed the economy and appearance of the city.
• Preservation of Cultural Heritage (1980s): The opening of the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda in the old courthouse building (1985) marked an important cultural shift — a desire to preserve and popularise the rich history and identity of the islands for future generations and visitors.

The architecture and urban development of St. John's is a visual history of the Caribbean, captured in stone and wood. The city's appearance was formed under the influence of British colonial rule, harsh climatic conditions, and the gradual transition from an agrarian to a tourism-based economy. There is no Gothic or Renaissance style here in the European sense, but there is a unique architectural flair.

Colonial Architecture (18th–19th Centuries)

The foundation of St. John's historic buildings is British colonial architecture, adapted to the tropical climate. After the arrival of the English in 1632, the city began to be built on a practical grid layout. This period is characterised by:

• Wooden and Stone-Wood Houses: Often two-storey, with a stone ground floor and a wooden upper floor. Many of them are painted in bright colours, creating a cheerful streetscape.
• Verandas and Balconies: An essential element protecting against the sun and creating cool, ventilated spaces.
• Carved Decorations: Decorative wooden elements on facades and roofs that give the buildings lightness and elegance.

A striking example of this style is the Redcliffe Quay district, where restored 18th-century warehouses and merchant houses have today been converted into shops, galleries, and restaurants. Mansions of former plantation owners have also been preserved throughout the city.

"Caribbean Baroque"

The most outstanding architectural monument in St. John's is St. John's Cathedral, built in 1845. Its style is often described as "Caribbean Baroque." The cathedral's two massive white towers, topped with cupolas, are visible from many points in the city and serve as its landmark. This is the third cathedral building on this site; the previous ones were destroyed by earthquakes, compelling builders to use durable reef limestone for the new structure.

Military and Port Architecture

The urban planning of St. John's is inextricably linked to its role as a strategic port. Powerful fortifications were erected to protect the harbour from attacks. Fort James, construction of which began in 1739, is a fine example of military architecture of that time, with its massive walls and gun platforms offering a view of the harbour entrance. The development of the port defined the entire layout of the coastal part of the city.

Modern Development (20th–21st Centuries)

With the development of tourism, the architectural landscape of St. John's began to change. Modern bank buildings, offices, and hotels appeared. A key element of urban planning was the creation of infrastructure for cruise liners, such as the Heritage Quay complex. Modern architecture here does not strive for avant-garde forms but is rather functional and coexists with historic buildings, creating an eclectic yet harmonious image of a Caribbean capital.

Prominent Figures of St. John's

The capital of Antigua and Barbuda, St. John's, has been the birthplace and sphere of activity for many iconic figures whose contributions have influenced not only the nation but also received international recognition. Below are some of the most famous personalities associated with the city.

• Prince Klaas

  Role: Leader of a slave rebellion

  Significance: Prince Klaas was an enslaved African who, in 1736, organised one of the most large-scale conspiracies aimed at overthrowing the power of plantation owners in Antigua. Although his plan was discovered and he was executed, Klaas went down in history as a national hero and a symbol of the early struggle for freedom and justice. His courage inspired subsequent generations of fighters for independence.

• Sir Vere Cornwall Bird

  Role: First Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda

  Significance: Considered the "Father of the Nation." V.C. Bird was a key figure in the trade union movement and the anti-colonial struggle that led the country to full independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. He served as Chief Minister and then Prime Minister for several decades, laying the foundations of modern statehood. The country's international airport is named in his honour.

• Sir Vivian Richards

  Role: Cricketer

  Significance: Born in St. John's, Sir Viv Richards is recognised as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. His aggressive and confident playing style made him a sports icon in the 1970s and 1980s. He captained the legendary West Indies team and is today a national hero whose name adorns the main cricket stadium in Antigua.

• Jamaica Kincaid

  Role: Writer and essayist

  Significance: A native of St. John's, Jamaica Kincaid (born Elaine Potter Richardson) is a world-renowned writer. In her works, such as "Annie John" and "A Small Place," she explores complex themes of colonialism, identity, and racial and family relationships, largely based on her experience growing up in Antigua.

• Sir Curtly Ambrose

  Role: Cricketer

  Significance: Another cricket legend from Antigua. Sir Curtly Ambrose was one of the most formidable fast bowlers in the world in the 1990s. His great height and bowling precision struck fear into opponents and helped the West Indies team dominate the world stage. He was knighted for his sporting achievements.

• King Short Shirt

  Role: Musician, Calypso artist

  Significance: Sir McLean Emanuel, better known by his stage name King Short Shirt, is an icon of Caribbean music. He is a multiple-time winner of the national Calypso competition in Antigua. His songs, often touching on social and political themes, have become an integral part of the cultural life of the islands and brought him international recognition.