Independence Square, Basseterre (must see)
Originally known as Pall Mall Square, the square's name was changed to Independence Square in commemoration of St. Kitts and Nevis achieving political independence on September 19, 1983.
Dating back to 1750, the square has deep historical roots, evolving into the administrative, commercial, and social heart of Basseterre. Throughout its history, Independence Square has played a central role in the island's social and economic life.
One significant aspect of the square's history is its association with the transatlantic slave trade. The location, where a fountain now stands, was once the site of a market where enslaved men, women, and children were sold. The square served as a platform for the distressing practice of selling human beings. The basement of a building on the south side of the square, which is still visible today, housed enslaved Africans temporarily. This basement, equipped with bars on the windows, likely functioned as an Auction House. Given the geographical characteristics of the area鈥擝esseterre meaning low level鈥攖he basement was prone to flooding.
In addition to the market, Independence Square was a hub for the business activities of slave traders who operated in the area, including Liverpool Row. The sale of enslaved individuals occurred through the establishments of these traders, further solidifying the square's historical connection to the transatlantic slave trade.
Dating back to 1750, the square has deep historical roots, evolving into the administrative, commercial, and social heart of Basseterre. Throughout its history, Independence Square has played a central role in the island's social and economic life.
One significant aspect of the square's history is its association with the transatlantic slave trade. The location, where a fountain now stands, was once the site of a market where enslaved men, women, and children were sold. The square served as a platform for the distressing practice of selling human beings. The basement of a building on the south side of the square, which is still visible today, housed enslaved Africans temporarily. This basement, equipped with bars on the windows, likely functioned as an Auction House. Given the geographical characteristics of the area鈥擝esseterre meaning low level鈥攖he basement was prone to flooding.
In addition to the market, Independence Square was a hub for the business activities of slave traders who operated in the area, including Liverpool Row. The sale of enslaved individuals occurred through the establishments of these traders, further solidifying the square's historical connection to the transatlantic slave trade.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Basseterre. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Independence Square on Map
Sight Name: Independence Square
Sight Location: Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis (See walking tours in Basseterre)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis (See walking tours in Basseterre)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis
Create Your Own Walk in Basseterre
Creating your own self-guided walk in Basseterre is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Basseterre Introduction Walking Tour
Basseterre is the capital city of the Federation of Saint Christopher (commonly known as Saint Kitts) and Nevis, two small islands in the Caribbean nestled between Antigua and Saint Maarten. The city has one of the most tragic histories of any Caribbean capital, destroyed many times by colonial wars, fire, earthquakes, floods, riots, and hurricanes. Despite all this, however, it is incredibly... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles