Antigua

Antigua, one of the British Leeward Islands in the West Indies (lat. 17° 7 N., long. 61° 50' W.). It was discovered by Columbus in 1493, and was colonised by the English under Lord Willoughby in 1632. The French ravaged it in 1666, and like most of the West Indian islands it has occasionally changed hands. St. John, its capital, is the seat of government for the Leeward Islands and also of the bishopric. Falmouth and Parham are other towns of importance. The country is mountainous, and rather deficient in water. There is a good harbour, affording a station for the Royal Mail Packets. Produce: sugar, rice, arrowroot, tobacco, and rum.