1616

In 1616, Africans in the West Indies, specifically in Bermuda, were instrumental in the cultivation of tobacco, bringing their expertise to enhance agricultural practices on the island. Their knowledge and skills were critical in developing the tobacco industry, which became a key economic driver for Bermuda. This contribution highlights the significant but often under-recognized role that Africans played in shaping early colonial economies. Contrary to the singular focus on 1619 as the pivotal moment of African arrival and influence in America, Africans had already been making impactful contributions to agriculture and other sectors in the New World well before and after this date. Their involvement in Bermuda exemplifies their integral role in the development of early American colonies and challenges the simplified narratives of their history.