Nevis was originally occupied by Sibonay, then Arawak, then Carib Indians from South America, and numerous archeological sites exist today.  Columbus "discovered" Nevis on his second trip to the new world, and possibly named the island "Nuestra Senora de Las Nieves", or "Our Lady of the Snows", although evidence indicates he probably named it St. Martin, and later maps were confused. The island was settled by the British in the early 1600's, and sugar production soon followed.  Nevis could produce more sugar cane per acre than any other island in the Carribbean, and soon was an exceptionally rich island. The French ransacked Nevis in the early 1700's, deporting everyone from the island, and Nevis never fully recovered until recent history.  Remnants of the sugar plantation history of Nevis abounds with many plantation ruins and many restored plantations, often run as inns and restaurants. If you are from the US, you probably carry a picture of a famous Nevisian with you everyday - Alexander Hamilton, who adorns the $10 bill.  If you are from Europe, you are probably familiar with Admiral Horatio Nelson, who spent a good deal of time in Nevis, and married a local woman, Fannie Nisbett. From the 17th century until 1983, Nevis remained a British Colony.  In 1983, The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis were formed.  With autonomy,  Nevis has rapidly evolved to what it is today - the premier vacation destination in the Caribbean. More information can be gleaned from the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society, or by reading the books "Swords, Ships and Sugar" by Vincent Hubbard or "Out of a Crowded Vagueness" by Bryan Dyde.