Pieces of Eight

Antigua

Columbus named many islands after the Virgin Mary. Antigua takes its name from Santa Maria Le Antigua, a cathedral in Seville.

Although explorers and pirates visited Antigua, none settled, and it wasn’t until 1632 that the first settlers, English from St. Kitts, arrived on the island. They immediately began planting tobacco.

In 1666, the French captured Antigua, but returned it less than a year later as part of a peace treaty. This is the only time Antigua has ever been occupied by other European powers.

Sugar became the major crop in 1674, quickly replacing tobacco, and slaves were imported to work the large plantations.

Antigua remained largely unnoticed until just ten years ago, when the slaves planned a rebellion against their abusive masters. The plot was discovered and the ringleaders executed, but the possibility of losing Antigua to slaves has caused the English to renounce slavery on the island, not that the former slaves can see much difference between a life of slavery and their current situation.