Anguilla was colonised by the English in 1650 and is now the oldest British territory in the Caribbean. With over 90% of its population indigenous, Anguilla …
More troubles arose in 1666 when French forces took over Anguilla. The island was relinquished to the British through the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, but the French continued attempts to invade the British-governed island for 150 years.
Anguilla became a British colony and developed a high degree of home rule. In the 1830’s; however, it was forced to enter into a union with nearby islands St. Kitts and Nevis. In 1958 the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla union became a part of the Federation of the West Indies.
The Federation collapsed only four years later, and as a result most islands gained institutional constitutions and St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla became an associated statehood. With these new privileges, Anguilla became inspired to fight for its independence.
The Anguillan Revolution or Anguilla’s Independence Day, commenced on May 30, 1967. On this day, the Anguillans repulsed the Royal St. Kitts Police Force from the island. The British immediately came and interceded establishing a peace-keeping committee.
Anguilla was then granted statehood and independence, although debate still presided over Anguilla’s succession until December 19, 1980. Anguilla became a British overseas territory with some measure of autonomy in government.
With political tensions finally settling, the 1980s were Anguilla’s entree into the Caribbean tourism sector. This relatively late introduction lends a unique aesthetic to Anguilla’s resort properties not found on other islands in the region.
Today, Anguilla is considered a British dependency, and the island attracts tourists from around the world to play on its golden beaches and swim in its turquoise seas. Luxury villas and resorts offer visitors the best in accommodations for their Anguilla vacations. Fishing and boating, along with gourmet dining and fine beaches, draw visitors to this friendly island.
