Barbados HistoryBarbados HistoryOver Barbados history, it is frequently known as “Little Britain”, it was in fact the Spanish that first arrived. After conquering the Carib Indians, the Spanish departed and were replaced by the Portuguese who began a new period of Barbados history and named the island Los Barbados (the bearded ones) because of the beard like appearance of its fig trees. In 1625, after the Portuguese had deserted the island, Captain John Powell landed and claimed the island of behalf of King James 1, changing Barbados history forever. Within ten years, British colonists established a House Assembly, which remained the governing body until the island’s independence in 1966, a momentus day in Barbdos' history.England was generous to its wealthy citizens and allocated them land throughout Barbdos' history, which they used to develop into tobacco and cotton plantations. In the 1630’s, sugar cane was introduced to the island and because a huge success. Indeed, over Barbdos' history Barbadians dominated the Caribbean sugar industry and Barbados became a cash cow for England as the island’s sugar industry prospered. The “landed gentry” made enormous fortunes off of sugar and were able to enjoy an extravagant and lavish lifestyle with great houses and plantations built in the Georgian style that remain even today as a reminder of Barbados' history.Unfortunately, to meet the production demands of the sugar industry, slaves were shipped from England as well as convicted criminals. When the need for even more labor increased, slaves were supplied from West Africa. In 1834 slavery was abolished and many former slaves took advantage of the island’s superb education system and went on to prominent political offices on Barbados. Barbados' history has dealt with many of the effects of the islands economic system.Tourism dates back through Barbados' history to the 1700s when visitors like George Washington came to the island for its healthful climate, it was not until the 1950’s that the island became a favorite destination for wealthy British travelers. By the 1970’s the allure had spread to North America. Today, over one million visitors come to Barbados each year, adding a new chapter to Barbados' history. Barbados villas have played a major role in the modern landscape of the island. Barbados villas combine the rich Barbados history and beautiful Island with the natural splendor and beautiful climate of the Caribbean.