St Kitts

Basseterre, St Kitts — from Celebrity Today

With dormant volcanoes, pink beaches and gorgeous green hills, St Kitts is a beautiful backdrop to any Caribbean adventure. Founded in 1623 by both the French and the British, the island’s deep colonial history is reflected in the abandoned fortresses, as well as its landscaped gardens, city squares and architectural details.

Basseterre (not to be confused with Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe) is the capital of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the West Indies. Situated against the irresistible setting of St Kitts’ emerald green hills and punctuated by elegant Georgian architecture, Basseterre is one of the best of the Caribbean’s small capitals.

Brief History

Basseterre was founded by the French in 1627 and served as capital of the French colony of St Christophe, which consisted of the northern and southern extremities of the island of St Kitts (the center belonged to England). In 1639, the town turned into a large, successful port, commanding Eastern Caribbean trade and colonization. It was then that Basseterre became the capital of the entire French West Indies colony, which included the islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique.

The city was made capital of the entire island of St Kitts in 1727, following French expulsion from the island and full British control. St Kitts became a British colony shortly after America gained its independence from Great Britain, and it gained its own independence as the Federation of St Christopher and Nevis in 1983. It remains a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth and still holds on to its British roots.

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