St. John’s: The Capital of Antigua and Barbuda

St. John’s is the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda, as well as an important port in the Caribbean Sea. Founded by British settlers in 1632, it is located on the northwestern coast of the island, east of St. John’s Harbour. Antigua and Barbuda gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981, at which point St. John’s officially became the capital. Today, St. John’s is the administrative, educational, tourism, cultural, and economic center of the country.

The city is home to several educational institutions, including the University of Health Sciences Antigua, the American University of Antigua, and Antigua State College. It also hosts the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda, which consists of the Monarch of Antigua and Barbuda, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. St. John’s is served by V. C. Bird International Airport, located about 8 kilometers east of the city.

St. John’s has many tourist attractions. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, located on Long Street (17.1221735, -61.8440473), is housed in a historic building constructed in 1747. It is the oldest building still in use in St. John’s and features exhibits on the city’s history.

Government House is another historical landmark in St. John’s, located at 17.1228955, -61.8406802. Built in the 1800s, it serves as the residence and office of the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda and is surrounded by extensive gardens.

Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is a cricket ground located in North Sound, Saint George (17.1035754, -61.7850739), about 9 kilometers from the city. It has a capacity of 10,000 people and hosted matches during the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

Fort James (17.1302993, -61.8637385) features the ruins of an 18th-century fortification overlooking St. John’s Harbour. Built in the 18th century and named after King James II of England, it offers panoramic sea views and contains several historic cannons. Fort James Beach is located nearby.