---
title: 7 Interesting Facts about Barbados (You Probably Didn't Know)
description: 7 Interesting Facts about Barbados (You Probably Didn't Know)
---
OUR
BRANDS
[](https://thecrane.com/)
[](https://thecrane.com/)
[Already Booked?](https://thecrane.com/already-booked/)
[Book Now](https://thecrane.reztrip.com/?currency=USD) [Book Now](https://thecrane.reztrip.com/?currency=USD)
- [Resort](https://thecrane.com/resort/)
- [Suites](https://thecrane.com/suites/)
- [Offers](https://thecrane.com/offers/)
- [Dining](https://thecrane.com/dining/)
- [Special Events](https://thecrane.com/special-events/)
- [Gallery](https://thecrane.com/gallery/)
- [Barbados](https://thecrane.com/barbados/)
- [Contact](https://thecrane.com/contact/)
Explore our brands
Discover More
A Barbadian legend since 1887, and the oldest operating hotel in the Caribbean, The Crane Resort effortlessly marries the old-world charm of its past to all the 21st-century amenities and services expected by today’s most discerning travelers.
Discover More
Enviably located within The Crane Resort, The Crane Private Residences is perfect for long-term island living, offering contemporary residences and penthouses as well as exclusive access to world-class resort amenities and services.
Discover More
A secluded, low-density development overlooking Barbados’ Skeete’s Bay Beach and Culpepper Island, Beach Houses has been specially designed to highlight the property’s exclusive location on the 1% of land remaining outside of the island’s protected East Coast. \*Please note that Beach Houses is Under Development
Discover More
Encore Residence Club by Crane Resorts is a select community of residence owners who enjoy exclusive access to a lifetime of luxury vacation and second-home experiences, worldwide.
The Islander
The Crane Blog
Mar 16th, 2016
# 7 Interesting Facts about Barbados (You Probably Didn't Know)
**Did you know that on November 30th 2016, Barbados will be celebrating its 50th year of independence? It’s true! Joining in with the year-long reflection and celebration, Crane Concierge has put together a list of 7 Interesting Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Barbados:**
## 1. "Los Barbados"
Barbados was initially referred to as *Los Barbados* or “the bearded ones” by the Portuguese who sighted the island en route to Brazil. The name referred to [the island’s abundant fig trees](http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/60055/bajan-bearded-fig-tree) (ficus citrifolia) which have a beard-like appearance from their long aerial roots.
## 2. Mount Hillaby
A geographically flat island, Barbados’ highest peak is [Mount Hillaby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Hillaby) in St. Andrew which stands at only 1,115 ft. above sea level. However moderate it may be, the peak offers truly fantastic views to the east and the rugged Atlantic coastline.
## 3. "The Indian Bridgetown"
The island’s capital **-** Bridgetown **-** derived its name from a bridge that was constructed in the area by the original Amerindian settlers. Settled by the English in the 17th century, early deeds referred to the area as The Indian Bridge and The Indian Bridgetown.
## 4. Barbados Parliament
Established in 1639, the Parliament of Barbados is the [3rd oldest in the Commonwealth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament_of_Barbados#History), surpassed only by those in Britain and Bermuda.
## 5. Hurricane Janet
The last major hurricane to hit Barbados was [Hurricane Janet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Janet) in 1955. This luck has prompted the popular local saying “God is a Bajan”.
## 6. Lord Nelson Statue
The Lord Nelson Statue, erected in Bridgetown’s Trafalgar Square (now National Heroes Square) on March 22nd 1813, is nearly 30 years older than the statue and square of the name in London.
## 7. Barbados - South Carolina Connection
South Carolina in the USA was originally settled by Barbadians in 1670.
**Discover Barbados for yourself! Email [reservations@thecrane.com](mailto:reservations@thecrane.com) for special offers and more information on [luxurious accommodation](https://www.thecrane.com/Accommodation) at The Crane Resort.**
Share [mailto:?body=https://blog.thecrane.com/blog/2016/03/16/7-interesting-facts-about-barbados-you-probably-didnt-know](mailto:?body=https://blog.thecrane.com/blog/2016/03/16/7-interesting-facts-about-barbados-you-probably-didnt-know)
[Prev story](https://blog.thecrane.com/blog/2016/03/09/planning-your-dream-holiday-to-barbados) [Next story](https://blog.thecrane.com/blog/2016/03/23/barbados-traditions-and-cultural-history)
[View All Stories](https://blog.thecrane.com)
#### Recent Posts
[ Exploring Barbados: Your Guide to Island Transportation](https://blog.thecrane.com/exploring-barbados-your-guide-to-island-transportation)
[ What Kind of Vacation Person Are You?](https://blog.thecrane.com/what-kind-of-vacation-person-are-you)
[ A Taste of Barbados: Baking Traditional Bajan Sweet Bread](https://blog.thecrane.com/a-taste-of-barbados-baking-traditional-bajan-sweet-bread)
### Categories
- [Discover Barbados (49)](https://blog.thecrane.com/tag/discover-barbados)
- [General News (39)](https://blog.thecrane.com/tag/general-news)
- [Food & Beverage (17)](https://blog.thecrane.com/tag/food-beverage)
- [Insider (12)](https://blog.thecrane.com/tag/insider)
- [Live, Work & Play (4)](https://blog.thecrane.com/tag/live-work-play)
- [Property Sales (3)](https://blog.thecrane.com/tag/property-sales)
- [Special Offers (3)](https://blog.thecrane.com/tag/special-offers)
- [Uncategorized (1)](https://blog.thecrane.com/tag/uncategorized)
See all
### Subscribe
Related Stories
#### luxury amenities
##### the ultimate resort experience
The Crane sets the ultimate standard in luxury oceanfront accommodation, featuring ultra-spacious suites designed to rival the majestic views – often referred to as “the most beautiful on earth”.
[LEARN MORE](https://thecrane.com/resort/)
Follow. Share. Inspire.
---
Stay
- [Resort](https://thecrane.com/resort/)
- [Accommodation](https://thecrane.com/suites/)
- [Offers](https://thecrane.com/offers/)
- [Dining](https://thecrane.com/dining/)
- [Barbados](https://thecrane.com/barbados/)
More
- [Gallery](https://thecrane.com/gallery/)
- [Blog](https://blog.thecrane.com/)
- [Ownership](https://thecrane.com/residential-ownership/)
- [Careers](https://thecrane.com/careers/)
- [Contact](https://thecrane.com/contact/)
Contact
[The Crane Resort St. Philip, Barbados - BB18098](https://goo.gl/maps/AZA6zkGQ76GjHc9v6)
[(246) 423-6220](tel:(246)%20423-6220)
[(866) 978-5942](tel:(866)%20978-5942) (US/CAN Toll Free)
[0 800 088 5034](tel:0%20800%20088%205034) (UK Toll Free)
General Info: [reservations@thecrane.com](mailto:reservations@thecrane.com)
Ownership: [property@thecrane.com](mailto:property@thecrane.com)
Subscribe
2020 © The Crane Resort. All rights reserved
- [PRIVACY POLICY](https://thecrane.com/privacy/)
- [ACCESSIBILITY](https://thecrane.com/accessibility/)
- [TERMS OF USE](https://thecrane.com/terms/)
- [SITE MAP](https://thecrane.com/sitemap/)
 