Primary Social Studies for Antigua and Barbuda Primary Social Studies for Antigua and Barbuda

STUDENT’S BOOK

GRADE 3

Historical sites in Antigua and Barbuda

Historical sites are places of interest that attract tourists. They are very important as they help to build tourism, which is the main industry of Antigua. Historical sites make tourists want to come and visit our country. Here are some of the historical sites.

Shirley Heights

Shirley Heights is in the very south of Antigua. It was a fort built by the British to defend Antigua. Some parts of the old fort are still there.

Shirley Heights

Today, Shirley Heights is very popular with tourists because it has wonderful views over English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. There is a restaurant and bar – and a party every Sunday which both locals and tourists enjoy.

Nelson’s Dockyard

Nelson’s Dockyard is part of Antigua’s largest National Park. It is in the area known as English Harbour. The British Navy used the Harbour to protect their ships and started to build the Dockyard in the 1740s, using slaves from the sugar plantations.

Nelson’s Dockyard is named after Admiral Lord Nelson. It was closed in 1889 when the British Navy left and it fell into decay. It was later restored and in 2016 was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Devil’s Bridge

Devil’s Bridge

Devil’s Bridge is in the northeast of Antigua and is a natural rock arch. The sea is often very rough there and it has gradually worn away the rocks to form the arch.

Devil’s Bridge got its name because slaves from the sugar plantations would throw themselves into the sea to escape from their slave masters.