Photos

Barbados

Barbados is a Portuguese word meaning ‘those with beards’ and likely refers to the island’s native Bearded Fig Tree. Resident tribes of Barbados welcomed 16th century Portuguese explorers who were searching for gold and riches and were greatly disappointed to find only a tropical paradise. The name Barbados was adopted when British explorers arrived in 1625 and took possession of the territory. Barbados became one the Britain’s first overseas possessions and the island remained a colony until the second half of the 20th century.

The first settlers brought tobacco and cotton from neighboring islands, but local conditions did not favor these crops, so sugar cane was chosen as an alternative crop. Twentieth century entrepreneurs replaced 19th century farmers, but not all of the planters left. Sugar and locally distilled dark rum are still exported.

Fortifications had to be built against invaders including pirates. By the 17th century, forts guarded almost the entire coastline. Prosperous descendants built plantation houses and mansions. Some of these great houses, furnished with fine antiques, overlooking their well tended gardens and expansive lawns still remain as relics of British colonial island life.

The eastern shore of the island where this picture was takes is especially scenic.

An additional interesting fact that batalay shared: "Barbados is the easternmost island in the Caribbean, it was special among all the islands as the one place outside North America that George Washington had visited."