Information
Landmark: Holetown MonumentCity: Holetown
Country: Barbados
Continent: North America
Holetown Monument, Holetown, Barbados, North America
Overview
The Holetown Monument stands in the heart of Holetown, on Barbados’s west coast, marking a key piece of the island’s history.It marks the first time English settlers set foot here in 1625, the moment that sparked the island’s colonial story.The Holetown Monument, built in 1827, stands to honor the 200th anniversary of the first English settlers landing in Barbados, where waves once broke gently on the shore they stepped onto.The event took place in 1625, remembered as one of the island’s turning points-like a sudden storm that changes the shape of the shore.The settlement marked the start of British rule in Barbados, a chapter that would stretch for more than 300 years.The monument stands as a reminder of when England claimed the island and began turning its green fields into booming sugar plantations.When Captain John Powell and his settlers landed, they marked the island’s turning point-opening the way for European colonies, sprawling sugar fields, and the brutal enslavement of Africans to work them.The monument that remembers this moment rises as a tall stone obelisk, its sharp tip cutting into the sky.At the heart of Holetown, a tall stone obelisk rises where the main road crosses, its surface etched with words recalling the settlers’ arrival, the momentous landing, and the island’s unfolding history.The inscription reminds visitors of the island’s colonial past and the roots of modern Barbadian society.You’ll find the monument in the heart of Holetown, just steps from the beach and shaded by the old stone walls of nearby historic buildings.Set at the heart of town, it stands as a clear marker of where the first settlement took root.As a monument to the start of Barbados’ colonial history, it draws both curious tourists and locals who pause to trace the worn stone with their fingertips.The monument sheds light on the island’s early history and often features in guided tours; standing before its weathered stone, visitors can reflect on the colonial past, from European arrival and the plantation economy to the lives of enslaved Africans.While Holetown buzzes today with boutiques, hotels, and cafés, the monument grounds the town in its deep and complex past.Visitors can explore the story of Barbados’ first European settlement and the cultural changes it sparked.Just down the road, St. James Parish Church stands with its weathered stone walls, a reminder of Holetown’s colonial past and a frequent stop for those visiting the monument.A few minutes’ walk away, Holetown Beach offers soft sand and a wide sweep of blue Caribbean, the perfect place to unwind after touring the historic sites.Altogether, the Holetown Monument remains a key landmark, honoring the island’s earliest colonial chapter.With its central spot and welcoming design, it’s easy to find-like the bright red doors that catch your eye-and it’s vital for keeping the island’s heritage alive and sharing it with others.
