A popular travel destination, Saint John's is the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda. It is a port city that dates back to the early 1600s. Saint John's is located on the northwest coast of the island of Antigua.

Places of interest

Saint John's maintains a number of structures from the country's days as a British colony. Fort James, which stands along the north side of Saint John's Harbor, was built in about 1700 to fight off enemy ships. Although much of it has been rebuilt, the old fort still has some of its original cannons. Another historic building is Saint John's Anglican Cathedral. First constructed in 1681, it was later rebuilt after suffering earthquake and hurricane damage. Nelson's Dockyard was a naval base for British sailors in the 18th century. It has been restored as a port for small boats and yachts. The city is also home to a national museum, as well as the country's largest library. The University of Health Sciences at Saint John's has a school of medicine. An international airport sits just outside of town.

Economy

Tourism is the main industry of Antigua and Barbuda. Most of the tourist activity in Saint John's is centered around the shops, museums, and galleries of its harbors. A number of banks in the city offer international financial services that bring business travelers to the region as well. The city is also the nation's main port and serves as its shipping center. A small manufacturing sector makes furniture, clothing, and handicrafts.

History

Saint John's was founded by British colonists in 1632. The city had to be rebuilt following devastating earthquakes in 1690 and 1843. A fire in 1769 and a hurricane in 1847 also caused major damage to the town. In 1981 the islands of Antigua, Barbuda, and nearby Redonda—an uninhabited rock island—became an independent nation known as Antigua and Barbuda, with Saint John's as its capital. Population (1991 estimate), 22,342.