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Betty's Hope: Echoes of Antigua's Sugar Past

Explore Antigua's first sugar plantation and step back in time at Betty's Hope, a historical landmark and open-air museum.

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Explore Betty's Hope, Antigua's first sugar plantation, established in the 17th century. Wander through the ruins of windmills and structures that once drove the island's sugar industry, offering a glimpse into colonial life and the lives of enslaved workers.

A brief summary to Betty's Hope Historic Sugar Plantation

  • Monday 9 am-3 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-3 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-3 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-3 pm
  • Friday 9 am-1:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking through historical ruins and natural landscapes.
  • Bring your camera to capture the scenic views and historical remnants.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the plantation's history and the lives of those who worked there.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From St. John's, head east on Sir George Walter Highway (A1) for approximately 12 km. At the roundabout with A3, take the second exit to stay on A1. Continue 5 km until you see signs for Betty's Hope. Turn left onto the road leading to the plantation (approx. 1.5 km). There is no entrance fee to visit the plantation.

  • Public Transport

    From St. John's, take a bus from the main bus terminal heading towards Pares. The fare is about 3-5 Eastern Caribbean Dollars (ECD). Ask the driver to stop near Betty's Hope. From the bus stop, walk about 500 meters to the plantation entrance.

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Discover more about Betty's Hope Historic Sugar Plantation

Betty's Hope, located in the tranquil, rural landscape of Antigua, stands as a poignant reminder of the island's colonial past and its reliance on the sugar industry. Founded around 1650 by Governor Keynell, it was the first large-scale sugar plantation on Antigua. The estate was later granted to the Codrington family in 1674, who transformed it into one of the most efficient sugar estates on the island, naming it after Christopher Codrington's daughter. Under the Codrington family's ownership, which lasted until 1944, Betty's Hope thrived as both an agricultural and industrial enterprise. The plantation relied on the labor of hundreds of Africans, who were first enslaved and later worked as laborers after emancipation in 1834. These individuals endured harsh conditions to cultivate and process sugar, demonstrating remarkable skills as craftsmen, boilers, and distillers. Today, Betty's Hope is an open-air museum where visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins, including two mill towers (one restored), stone water catchments, the Still House, and the Manager's House. The former cotton store now serves as an interpretation center, housing artifacts, a miniature village, and informative signage that details the history of the estate. Visitors can also see Antigua's former railway carriages, remnants of a railway developed in 1904 to transport sugarcane to the factory. Visiting Betty's Hope offers a unique opportunity to reflect on Antigua's history, the impact of the sugar trade, and the lives of those who lived and worked on the plantation. The ongoing restoration efforts ensure that this important historical site will continue to educate and inspire future generations.

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