The island of St. Kitts was first inhabited by Arawak and Carib Indians migrating through the Caribbean islands from South America 5000 to 7000 years ago.  The natives established themselves in small communities and came to call the island Liamuiga, or "fertile land".  This name most likely arose from the lush tropical vegetation and crops that must have grown around the central mountain in the island's rich volcanic soil.  The island's central mountain peak is a 3792 ft. extinct volcano which now bears the island's former name.

In 1493, the Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus arrived to substantially occupied native communities and staked a European claim.  It was believed that Christopher Columbus gave St. Kitts and Nevis their European names, calling St. Kitts the island of St. Christopher after the patron saint of travelers.  Although the origin of the St. Christopher name cannot be confirmed, it is accepted that it was British soldiers who shortened the name of St. Christopher to St. Kitts, its recognized name today.