weasyl.com · 2486504:9489612

Another history board, this time non-video, at the theater section of the museum. Here's what it says:

"This island is one of the richest spotes of ground in the wordell and fully inhabited. But ware the pepell Sutabell to the illand it ware not to be compared: it is a most rich soile, all waynes Grone and baring fruit, and the Chefest commoditie is sugar." - Henry Whistler 1654

(I think it means to say "This island is one of the richest spots in the world and fully inhabited. But were the people suitable to the island, it was to be compared. It is a most rich soil, always grown and bearing fruit, and the cheapest commodity is sugar.")

"Historians disagree about who first introduced sugarcane to Barbados, but it likely happened around 1640. James Holdip, William Hilliard and James Drax were the first commercially successful planters. Beginning in 1654, Brazilian Jews were expelled by the Portuguese Inquisition came to the island. They brought with them expert knowledge of the plant, and the innovative uses of windmill technology. Within a few decades, no less than 600 mills dotted the island, grinding cane harvested from many plantations.

Barbados soon became known to the British as The Brightest Jewel in Our Crown of Trade. And for the next three centuries, sugar would be the engine of the island's economy."