Charlestown

Charlestown is a port town on the leeward side of Nevis island, stretching along a sandy beach with historic stone buildings. Many houses show Georgian proportions with wooden upper stories, and cobbled streets run through the town center.

The town was founded in 1660 and developed from a simple settlement into a naval base and later a resort area. After a tidal wave destroyed the nearby town of Jamestown in 1680, this place grew in importance.

The Museum of Nevis History displays objects and documents showing how people lived on this island over the centuries. The museums in town tell stories of trade, seafaring, and the people who shaped this place.

The town offers basic services like a hospital, police station, post office, and courthouse in the town center. The best time to explore is early morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense.

A modest house marks the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, who later became a US Treasury Secretary and began life in modest circumstances here. Not far away stand the ruins of a former hotel known for its mineral springs that once drew visitors from around the world.

Location: Saint Paul Charlestown Parish

Elevation above the sea: 15 m

GPS coordinates: 17.14306,-62.62694

Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:25