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Locum tenens visiting the Caribbean can take a walk through the region's history at Pedro St. James Castle, one of the oldest existing houses in the area.
The building was first erected in 1780 by William Eden, one of the Caribbean's most prominent plantation owners. More than 50 years after it was built, the house served as a rendezvous point for elected members of its island's first parliament. Later on, it was the site where representatives voted to abolish slavery. Because it played a role in the development of democracy in the region, the house was later declared a National Historic Site.
Following many years of neglect, Pedro St. James Castle fell into disrepair. In 1996, however, local authorities decided to invest $6 million to renovate the structure to help it regain its former 18th-century glory.
Today, visitors to Pedro St. James Castle can enjoy a wide range of activities and attractions. The house itself is said to be a living heritage museum, allowing guests to step back into the past as they walk through its rooms. Travelers can also take a seat in the Pedro Theatre and watch a film detailing the history of the island.