Charlestown history

Foundation and First Mentions

Charlestown was founded by British settlers in the mid-17th century, approximately around 1660. The town was named in honour of King Charles II and quickly acquired the status of the main settlement on the island of Nevis. Its importance grew significantly after the previous capital, Jamestown, was devastated by a natural disaster, and the administrative centre definitively shifted to the more protected harbour of Charlestown.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small settlement into a thriving colonial centre was driven by several reasons:

• Advantageous Geography: The town is located on the leeward side of the island, which provided ships with protection from strong winds and waves. The deep-water harbour became an ideal location for merchant ships to dock.
• Sugar Economy: In the 18th century, Nevis was called the "Queen of the Caribbeans" due to the immense revenue from sugar plantations. Charlestown served as the main port for exporting sugar and importing goods from Europe.
• Geothermal Springs: The presence of volcanic hot springs to the south of the town led to the creation of the famous Bath Hotel in 1778 — the first tourist spa resort in the Caribbean, attracting wealthy travellers.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

During its early era of prosperity, Charlestown was distinguished by a high concentration of capital and stone architecture in the Georgian style, built to withstand hurricanes. The town was a cosmopolitan centre of trade, where the paths of merchants from various countries crossed. An important milestone in the city's history is the birth of Alexander Hamilton here, the future Founding Father of the USA, whose early experience working in a local trading shop shaped his financial views.

Major Milestones in Charlestown's History

• Around 1660: Charlestown is founded, named in honour of King Charles II, and quickly becomes a vital trading port of the British Empire.
• 1690: After a tsunami destroys the island's former capital, Jamestown, the administrative centre moves permanently to Charlestown.
• 1706: The town and surrounding plantations suffer a devastating attack by French forces under the command of Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville.
• 11 January 1757: Alexander Hamilton is born in Charlestown; he would become the first US Secretary of the Treasury and one of the Founding Fathers of the American state.
• 1778: The Bath Hotel is built south of the town — the first resort hotel in the Caribbean, utilising the healing properties of local thermal springs.
• 1787: In the vicinity of the town, Admiral Horatio Nelson marries a local resident, Frances Nisbet, forever linking the history of Nevis with the British fleet.
• 1834: The abolition of slavery in the British Empire radically changes the social structure and economic life of the town.
• 1843: A strong earthquake causes significant damage to the town's stone structures, requiring large-scale restoration works.
• 1873: A destructive fire annihilates many wooden buildings, leading to the rebuilding of the town centre in a safer Georgian style.
• 19 September 1983: Saint Kitts and Nevis gains independence from the United Kingdom, and Charlestown secures its status as the administrative centre of the island of Nevis.
• 1998: The historic centre of Charlestown is placed on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list thanks to its preserved colonial architecture.

Stages of Development and Urban Transformation

The history of Charlestown is a journey from a colonial port to a modern administrative centre, shaped by the economy, natural disasters, and social shifts. Key milestones in the town's transformation include:

• Consolidation of Administrative Power (Late 17th Century)
  After the destruction of the first capital (Jamestown) by the elements, Charlestown became the undisputed centre of the island. This decision defined the urban planning structure, oriented towards the deep-water harbour for receiving merchant vessels.
• "Sugar Boom" and Stone Construction (18th Century)
  Excess revenues from sugar exports allowed for the construction of substantial buildings made of hewn stone. During this period, the historic centre was formed with merchant houses and warehouses, many of which have survived to this day.
• Creation of the Resort Industry (1778)
  The construction of the Bath Hotel became a turning point, transforming a strictly commercial town into the first therapeutic resort of the West Indies. This attracted the international elite and contributed to the development of the service sector and the improvement of surrounding areas.
• Economic Transformation after 1834
  The abolition of slavery led to the collapse of the plantation system. The urban economy reoriented from servicing large estates to supporting small businesses and trade, which changed the social composition of Charlestown's population.
• Urban Adaptation (Second Half of the 19th Century)
  Following the devastating fire of 1873 and a series of earthquakes, a unique architectural style became established in the town: a stone ground floor (for protecting goods and durability) and a wooden second floor (for earthquake resistance). This style is the town's calling card today.
• Becoming the Capital of Autonomy (1983)
  After Saint Kitts and Nevis gained independence, Charlestown received the status of the island's capital with its own government. This gave impetus to infrastructure modernization, the development of the offshore banking sector, and the renovation of the port to welcome tourists.

Architectural Heritage and Urban Landscape

Charlestown is considered one of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in the Caribbean. The town's urban development was dictated by its function as a major port and the need to adapt to the tropical climate and seismic activity. The appearance of the town was formed primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries, and modern buildings are harmoniously integrated into this historical context, maintaining the atmosphere of an "open-air museum".

Eras and Styles

The architecture of Charlestown represents a unique fusion of European traditions and local construction solutions:

• Colonial Georgian Style (18th – Early 19th Century):
  During the heyday of the sugar industry, strict and symmetrical buildings inspired by British architecture of the time were erected in the town. They are characterized by proportionality, the use of hewn volcanic stone, and arched openings. This style symbolized the stability and wealth of the British Empire.
• Caribbean Vernacular Style (Mid-19th Century – Present):
  After a series of earthquakes and fires, a unique local style formed, known as "skirt and blouse". Such buildings have a ground floor made of durable stone (for coolness and protection from hurricanes) and a second floor made of wood (for flexibility during earthquakes). Facades are often decorated with carved wooden elements ("gingerbread" trim) and spacious verandas.

Iconic Buildings and Structures

The look of Charlestown is defined by several key objects reflecting different stages of its development:

• Hamilton House:
  A building constructed in the Georgian style on the seafront. It is a reconstruction of the house where Alexander Hamilton was born. The stone masonry of the ground floor and the wide staircase are classic examples of 18th-century architecture. It now houses the Museum of Nevis History.
• Bath Hotel:
  A monumental stone structure from 1778, built in the Palladian style. Although the main building has suffered from time, its scale and strict lines give an idea of the grandeur of the resort architecture of that era.
• Courthouse and Library:
  A majestic stone building in the town centre, serving as the administrative core. It demonstrates the classic British colonial aesthetic with an emphasis on durability and functionality.
• Memorial Square:
  A central public space surrounded by historic buildings, which formed the layout structure of the town, oriented towards the port and trade.

Distinguished Personalities

The history of Charlestown and the island of Nevis is inextricably linked with the names of people who left a significant mark on world politics, naval affairs, and sports. Here are the key figures whose destinies were intertwined with this town.

• Alexander Hamilton (1757–1804)
  US Statesman, one of the Founding Fathers.
  The most famous native of Charlestown. Hamilton spent his childhood years here, and it was his experience working in a local trading office that shaped his brilliant financial abilities. Later, he became the first US Secretary of the Treasury and the author of a significant part of the Constitution.
• Frances "Fanny" Nisbet (1761–1831)
  Member of the local nobility.
  A native of Nevis who became the wife of the famous Admiral Horatio Nelson. Their wedding took place near Charlestown, and Fanny herself was an important figure in the island's high society of that era.
• Horatio Nelson (1758–1805)
  Vice-Admiral of the British Navy.
  Although Nelson was not born on the island, he spent significant time here as captain of the ship "Boreas". In Charlestown and its surroundings, he not only found his love but also ensured compliance with British Navigation Acts, which was of great importance for the region's history.
• Simeon Daniel (1934–2012)
  Politician, first Premier of Nevis.
  Known as the "Father of modern Nevis". He played a key role in the island gaining autonomy and improving Charlestown's infrastructure, laying the foundations for modern economic development.
• Elquemedo Willett (born 1953)
  Professional cricketer.
  Became the first player from the Leeward Islands to be included in the West Indies cricket team. His success inspired a whole generation of athletes on Nevis and brought fame to the island in the sporting world.
• Vance Amory (1949–2022)
  Politician and sportsman.
  Served twice as the Premier of Nevis. Besides his political career, he was known as a talented cricketer. He made a significant contribution to the construction of the modern international airport serving Charlestown.