Crosbies

Have you ever wondered what life was like on a bustling Antiguan sugar plantation? Here in Crosbies, amidst the modern houses, the echoes of a bygone era still linger. Crosbies, a village nestled in Saint John Parish, isn’t just a collection of homes. It’s a living testament to Antigua and Barbuda’s rich, complex history. Crosbies began as a sugar plantation, a cog in the brutal machinery of the Caribbean sugar trade. Established in 1777 and initially known as Mount Prospect, the estate transformed the landscape and the lives of those who toiled here. By 1820, Crosbies encompassed 210 acres and relied on the forced labor of 67 enslaved people. Their stories, though shrouded in pain, continue to resonate in the very soil we stand on. A local folktale whispers of their suffering. It’s said that on full moon nights, residents near the shore can hear the mournful moans and the chilling rattle of chains, a haunting reminder of the enslaved people who were tragically led into the sea. In the mid-1800s, Crosbies, under the ownership of the Crosbie family, expanded its reach. Charles Crosbie controlled not only Crosbies but also the neighboring Boone’s estate, amassing a combined 300 acres. This period reflects the island’s complex web of land ownership and the enduring legacy of colonial power. The 20th century brought dramatic changes to Crosbies. Joseph Erskine, a Scottish sheep owner, acquired the property in 1933 but soon sold it to Lee H. Westcott. Westcott, an American who had initially been en route to Brazil, found himself captivated by Antigua. He introduced machinery to the estate, a testament to the evolving agricultural practices of the time. Crosbies became part of the Northern Cotton Belt during World War II, a pivotal moment when the global demand for cotton soared. However, labor disputes and financial struggles ultimately led Westcott to transform Crosbies into the residential community we see today. Crosbies Development Ltd., formed in 1958, navigated bureaucratic hurdles and transformed the former plantation into a sprawling development of over 300 acres. The original sugar mill, a stark symbol of the past, has been repurposed into apartment buildings, its thick walls whispering stories of both hardship and resilience. Crosbies stands as a poignant reminder of the island’s transformation. From a sugar plantation fueled by enslaved labor to a thriving community, Crosbies invites us to reflect on Antigua’s journey through time. As you explore the homes and streets of Crosbies, remember the layers of history beneath your feet, the echoes of those who came before, and the enduring power of place.