History of Barbuda

Did You Know?

• The first European settlers came from Saint Kitts, following a letters-patent issued in 1625.
• In 1668, about 240 Kalinago from Dominica and Saint Vincent attacked 20 English inhabitants, killing several including Captain Francis Nathan.
• In 2020, the Barbuda Council secretary submitted a request for independence, which the government labeled as treasonous.

Pre-colonisation (–1625)

People have inhabited Barbuda since approximately 3700 BC, when the Archaic Age people, sometimes incorrectly called the "Ciboney", arrived by canoe. These early inhabitants lived as hunter-gatherers in small bands, and scholars disagree on whether they originated from South America, the Greater Antilles, or the Yucatán peninsula. The oldest carbon-dated artifact on the island, found at The River, dates to about 3685 BC. The Archaic people did not form villages but were dispersed at locations such as Suffers near Spanish Point and Indian Town at Two Foot Bay.

They made tools primarily from shells, and remnants are found along the Strombus Line, a paleoshoreline that was likely a pre-Columbian trading centre. They were later replaced by the Arawak, who arrived around 1000 BC and established villages in the highlands and around Gravenor Bay. The Arawak were agricultural, growing crops such as sweet potatoes, corn, and cassava, and made Saladoid pottery. Their largest settlement occurred between 1,500 and 800 years ago, though many visits were seasonal.

Codrington rule (1684–1870)

In 1684, King Charles II leased Barbuda to brothers Christopher Codrington II and John Codrington for an annual rent of one "fat sheep" if demanded. The lease granted the family significant autonomy, though they were de jure subordinate to the governor of the Leeward Islands. John Codrington lived on the island until his death in 1688 and ordered the construction of Codrington Castle, which became the administrative centre. The Codringtons introduced the first African slaves to Barbuda, all of Fante ancestry, shipped from the port of Cormantin on the Ghanaian coast.

Only one major shipment of slaves occurred, and only eight additional slaves were later imported. Slaves were assigned provision grounds of 2 to 10 acres and primarily engaged in animal husbandry, as the island was too dry for sugar cultivation. Life expectancies were higher than on surrounding sugar islands. Christopher Codrington III advocated for better treatment of slaves, writing that no man deserved a Corramante who would not treat him like a friend.

In March 1710, a French attack led by John Bermingham destroyed several buildings and took slaves, servants, and livestock. The lease was renewed in 1705, 1800, and 1856.

Post–Codrington era (1870–1981)

After the Codrington lease ended, several failed leases occurred until 1891. In 1895, the Barbuda Island Company, owned by Robert Dougall, was granted all land except major roads, a burial ground, and some common grazing lands. Barbudans were allowed one acre per family for gardening if fenced, but Dougall allocated plots in undesirable locations. His attempts to grow coffee, cacao, and sisal failed due to the climate, and the lease was suspended in 1899. In 1904, the Barbuda Ordinance formally established Barbuda as crown land and its inhabitants as crown tenants. An island warden position was created, residing at Government House. Cotton production was attempted but failed by 1915.

Early independence with Antigua (1981–2017)

Antigua and Barbuda gained independence on 1 November 1981, with the Barbuda Council's powers enshrined in the constitution. Two days later, council chairperson Hilbourne Frank led protests seeking separation from Antigua, and a petition for independence was signed by most adults on the island. In 1983, the government-established Barbuda Industrial Development Agency diminished the council's autonomy. The Barbuda People's Movement lost all council seats in 1985 but regained them in 1987. In April 1987, the council sued the government over sand mining at Palmetto Point, which worsened storm effects. Around 1988, half of Barbudan adults were reported to have hypertension, and sixty percent of homes lacked toilets. Talks occurred about leasing Low Bay to Mel Fisher for a resort.