Bridgetown in St. Michael is the capital of Barbados - although it is often considered a twelfth parish. Apparently named because the first settlers found a bridge, built by the Amerindians, spanning the waterway. Despite its tragedies and drawbacks, like the fire of 1668 that destroyed 80% of all the buildings, the population of Bridgetown grew phenomenally. The town officially became the City Of Bridgetown in 1842 by royal decree.
The principal streets for the town were laid out by James Swan, surveyor, who now, according to tradition had Swan Street named after him. Swan Street is now a street market, with vendors selling just about everything kind of local - and some not so local - goods.
Bridgetown is full of many interesting historical places; like the spot where The Cage used to hang - now occupied by Mannings in Upper Broad Street - a place for public detention of minor offenders, and later detaining runaway slaves. The Cage was equipped with a pillory and a whipping post.
The Statue of Nelson at the top of Broad Street which until recently looked down Broad Street, but was turned to face the Treasury Building. The statue was petitioned for when news of Admiral Nelson's victory and death at Trafalgar in 1805. However, due to delays the first stone of the statue was not actually laid until 1813.
Outside of Bridgetown, at the roundabout below St. Barnabas, is another commemorative statue. This one, a statue to commemorate the 150th anniversary of emancipation from slavery. The statue is popularly known as the Bussa Statue, after one of the leaders of the slave uprising in 1816. The statue is the work of local artist Karl Broodhagen.
St. Michael is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches and some of the best places to dive, or go snorkelling. Carlisle Bay, one of the more popular beaches in St. Michael, is also the home to several boat wrecks.