The Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society will begin preservation and restoration work at one of Nevis’ prestigious historical sites, New River Estate.
In our mandate to diversify our tourism product, the Ministry will commence work to preserve and protect this last working sugar producing estate on Nevis.
The New River Estate and its surrounding areas will be turned into a plantation style museum and tour area. The Plantation tour will interpret how the mill once worked until its closure in the 1950’s.
It is the Ministry’s aim to actively promote and encourage ‘Cultural/Heritage Tourism’ and thus a number of historical structures will be restored. The first will commence with New River Estate.
The History of New River Estate:
The Mill at New River Estate was the last mill to operate on the island of Nevis, with operations ceasing in 1958. New River and Coconut Walk Estate is located on the windward side of the Island and was established in the early 1700’s as a sugar producing and processing estate. It was converted to steam in the 19th century.
Remains of the great house, cisterns and sugar works, including the steam engine used to crush sugarcane can still be found there.
Following the road down from New River Estate to the sea is where you will find Coconut Walk. Here is where the first inhabitants to Nevis, the Siboney, settled in 2,000 BC. This area was adorned with palm trees, hence its fitting name.
The Ministry of Tourism along with the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society looks forward to embarking upon this important restoration venture. We solicit any assistance from the general public and crave your indulgence by requesting the non-removal of any stones or artifacts. Please report any illegal activity to either office.