Nelson’s Dockyard, the crown jewel of Antigua and Barbuda’s historical landmarks, is commemorating its 300th anniversary this year. Established in 1725 as a strategic naval base in English Harbour, the site was initially developed to provide a safe haven for the British Navy amidst the dual threats of hurricanes and piracy. Over the centuries, it evolved into a fortified hub of maritime strategy and trade, leaving behind iconic structures such as Shirley Heights, Fort Berkeley, Fort Charlotte, and Blockhouse. The Dockyard’s distinctive Georgian architecture, tailored to the Caribbean climate, was a product of the labor of European sailors and soldiers, alongside free and enslaved Africans. Following the Royal Navy’s departure in 1899, the site languished in neglect until the 1960s, when conservation efforts spearheaded by the Friends of English Harbour and Antigua’s burgeoning yacht industry breathed new life into the historic landmark. In 1984, the establishment of Nelson’s Dockyard National Park ensured the legal protection of nearly 16 square kilometers of land and sea. Today, the Dockyard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vibrant cultural and commercial center. Managed by the National Parks Authority, its preservation strategy addresses contemporary challenges such as rising sea levels and intensifying storms, while ensuring that heritage conservation benefits local communities. Community-driven initiatives, including the 8th of March Project, have amplified local voices in the narrative of the Dockyard, transforming it into a living heritage site rather than a static relic. As Antigua and Barbuda celebrate this tricentennial milestone, Nelson’s Dockyard stands as a testament to resilience and adaptation, embodying both national pride and international allure.