Most of the colonists who settled in Carolina were wealthy English planters, with names such as Middleton, Drayton, Colleton, and Yeamans. The vast wealth accrued in Carolina was due to the success of rice plantations, and from trade between Carolina and Barbados. These wealthy planters controlled South Carolina politics, even after the original Lords Proprietors fell out of power. These ruthless and determined "Barbadians" lived lavish lifestyles, and were also known for their illegal activities, such as enslavement of indigenous peoples, and commerce with pirates.
One prominent visitor to the island of Barbados was a nineteen year old George Washington.
