Nevis To Unveil Alexander Hamilton Statue in July

The hit 2015 Broadway play "Hamilton" revealed U.S. Revolutionary War leader and founding statesman Alexander Hamilton's Caribbean roots to a new generation of Americans.

But the play never mentions Nevis (instead describing Hamilton as "born on a Caribbean island"). Yet Hamilton's experiences in his birthplace produced profound influences that shaped his historic trajectory.

On July 22, the Alexander Hamilton Awareness Society, in collaboration with the Nevis Historical & Conservation Society, will unveil "Alexander Hamilton as a Young Man," a statue by sculptor Benjamin Victor, at the Museum of Nevis History.

Celebratory events highlighting the installation including historical talks, traditional Caribbean meals, themed cocktails and special island tours will be held across Nevis from July 18 to 23. Nevis' deluxe hotels and local lodging options will offer visitor incentives and packages during the week.

Victor is the only living artist to have two works displayed in the National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol Building, according to Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) officials.

His creation embodies events tied to Hamilton's Nevis upbringing, which inspired the Caribbean native's worldview and provided the impoverished youngster with the skills and background to provide indispensable service to his new nation during its founding days.

"Some find it hard to imagine that such an influential figure in American history hailed from our petite Caribbean paradise," said Devon Liburd, NTA's interim CEO.