The Urban World of the Early Modern British Caribbean

This project examines the history of the early modern British Caribbean through its cities and urban residents. By analyzing the founding, development, and integration of the Caribbean's port cities as well as the enterprises of its urban residents, Draper demonstrates that the townscapes of these cities were the stages on which colonists adapted to the harsh environs of the West Indies. There, residents, visitors, and officials created artificial land, fortified settlements, forged extensive hinterlands, and fostered communication networks. By doing so, they helped transform the Caribbean into the most profitable region in early modern British America.