Independence Square, Basseterre (must see)

Independence Square, originally known as Pall Mall Square, was renamed to commemorate St. Kitts and Nevis achieving independence on September 19, 1983. The square dates back to 1750 and has long served as the administrative, commercial, and social heart of Basseterre. Over the centuries, it has been a central gathering place for both locals and visitors, witnessing the evolution of the city from a colonial hub to a modern capital.

A significant part of Independence Square’s history is its connection to the transatlantic slave trade. The location where a fountain now stands was once a market where enslaved men, women, and children were sold. On the south side of the square, the basement of one building, still visible today, was used to temporarily hold enslaved Africans. The space, fitted with barred windows, likely functioned as an auction house. Its low-lying location—reflected in the name Basseterre, meaning “low land”—made it prone to flooding, adding to the harsh conditions faced by those imprisoned there.

The square was also a center for the business activities of slave traders, including those along Liverpool Row, where the buying and selling of enslaved individuals took place. These operations cemented Independence Square’s role in the island’s colonial history.

Today, Independence Square blends its historical significance with modern life. Visitors can explore the area, learning about its past while observing the vibrant commerce and daily life of Basseterre. The square offers an opportunity to reflect on the island’s history and its journey toward freedom, making it a meaningful stop for anyone visiting St. Kitts.