Nevis, along with St. Kitts, comprises one of the smallest countries in the world. Columbus discovered the islands in 1493, and because he thought the mountains were covered with snow (they were actually covered by clouds), he named the smaller island Nevis after the Spanish word for "snow." Alexander Hamilton was born on the island, and his house is now a museum. Rustic architecture seen in the island's windmills, churches and great houses, abounding wildlife and friendly people also draw travelers to Nevis.