Charlestown, Nevis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charlestown
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The main street of Charlestown
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 Charlestown
Location in Saint Kitts and Nevis
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| Country | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Island | Nevis |
| Parish | Saint Paul Charlestown |
| Population
(2006)
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| • Total | 1,500 |
Charlestown is the capital city of Nevis, a beautiful island in the country of Saint Kitts and Nevis. This country is part of the Leeward Islands in the West Indies. Charlestown is located on the calm, western side of Nevis, close to Pinney's Beach. It's a lively place and the main center for everything on the island.
Contents
Discovering Charlestown
Charlestown is home to about 1,500 people. It is the main place for business and government on Nevis. It's also where most people live on the island. Charlestown is a major transportation hub for Nevis. There's a modern port where ferries from Saint Kitts arrive and depart.
A Glimpse into History
Charlestown was first known as Bath Bay. This name came from Bath Stream, a local stream with special healing waters. Charlestown became the main town after Jamestown, the first settlement on Nevis, was flooded by a huge tidal wave in 1680. In the late 1700s, Charlestown was a naval base. It was also a popular resort known for its mineral springs. A big fire almost destroyed the town in 1873.
Historically, Charlestown was protected by two forts. Fort Charles was to the south, and Fort Black Rocks was to the north. Many old stone buildings had two stories. Earthquakes often damaged them, causing the top floor to collapse. Because of this, people started building wooden upper floors on top of stone ground floors.
Famous People and Places
Charlestown is famous as the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton. He was a very important person in American history. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He also helped write the U.S. Constitution.
Hamilton's Birthplace and Museums
The stone building where Alexander Hamilton was born has been restored. Today, the ground floor is the Museum of Nevis History. The Nevis Island Administration Assembly Room is on the upper floor. Charlestown has two other interesting museums:
- The Nelson Museum
- The Nevis Sport Museum
You can also find the Philatelic Bureau here, which is a place for stamp collectors.
Other Important Buildings
Many other important buildings are in Charlestown. Some are historical, and some are new. These include:
- The Post Office
- The old Treasury Building, now the Nevis Tourism Authority
- The Court House and Public Library
- The new Police Station
- The Alexandra Hospital
At the northern end of town is the Bath Hotel and Spring House. This was a famous hotel and spa in the 1700s. The main building of the Bath Hotel was used by government offices for a while.
Shopping and Remembrance
The Cotton Ginnery Mall is a place where residents of Nevis can go shopping. Memorial Square honors all the soldiers from Nevis. These brave soldiers died during World War I and World War II.
Education in Charlestown
The education system in Nevis is similar to the British system.
- There are five pre-schools.
- There are seven government-provided primary schools (grades K–6).
- There are also three private primary schools.
After primary school, students attend one of three secondary schools. You can find more information in the article: List of schools in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
See also
In Spanish: Charlestown (San Cristóbal y Nieves) para niños
