Basseterre

Basseterre, the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, is a historic city founded by the French in 1627 . Located on the southwestern coast of Saint Kitts Island, it is one of the oldest towns in the Eastern Caribbean . The city features colonial architecture, bustling markets, and scenic views . Despite its history of destruction by wars, fires, and natural disasters, Basseterre has many well-restored buildings . It is a key commercial hub in the Leeward Islands .

Wingfield Estate Sugar Plantation Ruins

Wingfield Estate is a historic site dating back to the early days of European colonization. It was the property of John Jefferson, and his brother Samuel, accompanied Thomas Warner in the first attempt at colonization. The estate was inherited by Christopher Jefferson in 1660, who later leased it to Charles Pym . The estate is known for its remarkable masonry, including remains of an aqueduct, a chimney, a mill house, a boiling house, a distillery, a lime kiln, and a subterranean tunnel . It is recognized as the oldest intact distillery in the Caribbean, with rum production dating back to 1681 . The site includes petroglyphs that attest to the presence of Amerindians before European colonization . The estate has had only five family owners in over 350 years, with the first being Sam Jefferson II, the great-great-great-grandfather of Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States . Today, Wingfield Estate offers visitors a glimpse into the colonial past.