Nevis is an island separated from St. Kitts by a narrow straight just two miles wide. The island is volcanic
and only 50 square miles (93 sq. km.) in area. It was discovered by Columbus in 1493 and given the name "Nuestra Senora de Las Nieves" (Our Lady of the Snows) because
the cloud-capped summit of the island reminded him of snow. Before this the Caribs
had called the island 'Qualie'. It was first colonised by English settlers from St. Kitts
in 1627.
According to the early 20th century writer A. Hyatt Verrill:
Nevis 'is a true volcanic island with a single, cone-shaped volcano rising
from the plains and with numerous hot springs to prove that the old giant only slumbers.
Nevis, in the old days, was a favourite watering-place for all the society of Europe and the
West Indies, but the chief town, Charlestown, shared the same fate as Port Royal,' (on Jamaica)
'the entire city sinking suddenly under the sea, and to-day, in clear weather, one may row
above the submerged town and,looking through the crystal-like water, may trace the outlines of the streets and buildings
of the once gay and populous town.'
Nevis is where Admiral Lord Nelson married his wife, Frances Herbert Nisbet on March 11, 1787. Frances was then
23 years old, already a widow. Her first husband, a doctor, had died 18 months earlier. The bride was
given away by Prince William Henry, later King William IV.
Nevis is also the location of some the world's best hotels. The Four Seasons Resort
Nevis was selected as the best hotel in the Caribbean by Travel and Leisure Magazine 2005.
More about the Caribbean islands
