The name Turks, is derived from the indigenous Turks Head cactus, while, Caicos is derived from the Lucayan term caya hico meaning string of islands. Although the islands were originally thought to have been discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 there are still those who believe that Juan Ponce de Leon discovered the islands. Whichever of the two came first a group of Indians known as the Tainos are recorded to be the first inhabitants of the islands. In 1678 Bermudans began settling as seasonal residents from March to November. They began to exploit the natural salinas which they soon walled in to create salt pans. By the 1780's more permanent settlements had been established on the islands of Grand Turk and Salt Cay, while further development occurred on South Caicos during the 1840's. The Bermudans were closely followed by the Loyalists who had an interest in cotton.The Turks and Caicos Islands has the third largest coral reef system in the world and together with some of the best tropical beaches has today led to the development of a very stable and profitable tourism industry.Historically, the economy of the TCI relied upon the export of salt. presently, tourism, the offshore finance industry and fishing generate the most private sector income.The islands are diverse, from the main tourist center of Providenciales to the more tranquil islands of North and Middle Caicos, the historic island of Salt Cay, the capital island Grand Turk and the fishing capital South Caicos.
Each island offers a different set of experiences for visitors. The common link between them all, alongside the friendly people, community spirit and extraordinary beauty is the all year round great climate.
IMPORTANT DATES IN TCI HISTORY
(Courtesy of the TCI National Museum)
1492 - Christopher Columbus lands at Guanahani Beach,Grand Turk. He finds a settlement of Lucayan Indians.
1512 - Ponce de Leon passes by the Turks Islands on his way to Bimini.
1668 - Salt making industry begins.
1834 - All British Colony slaves are granted freedom.
1845 - First newspaper published, "Turks Island Gazette & Commercial Reporter".
1848 - 1873 - Queen Victoria grants a royal charter. The TCI become an independent colony.
1852 - Grand Turk lighthouse erected.
1857 - "Waterloo", built in 1815, was acquired for the Governors residence.
1898 - First telegraph cable, Bermuda to Grand Turk to Jamaica. First fire engine.
1948 - First commercial flight to TCI.
1959 - Hurricane Donna devastates all agriculture.
1962 - John Glenn splashed down just a mile or two off the coast of Grand Turk, and spent his first couple of days on the Island after his space flight.
1968 - Airport opens on Providenciales.
1991 - Turks and Caicos National Museum opens on Grand Turk.
GRAND TURK - The Nations Capital
The Island of Grand Turk is the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands and has been the seat of government since 1766.Approximately 7.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, Grand Turk, is best known for its provision of spectacular diving, fishing and sailing.The island exhibits distinctive Bermudian British colonial architecture reminiscent of the early salt and colonial era.Places to see in Grand Turk include the Turks and Caicos National Museum which houses the remnants of the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest shipwreck to be discovered in the western hemisphere along with other artifacts pertaining to the history of the islands, the 150 plus year old Lighthouse located on the North-East point of the island, and Front Street with its old world charm and 18th century architecture gives visitors a glimpse into the island’s past.A new cruise ship terminal and supporting infrastructure has recently been built on Grand Turk, to service the many cruise ships that now visit Grand Turk.The island has an amazing protected area of Coral reefs that drop 8000 ft and boasts world class diving opportunities.
SOUTH CAICOS- The Fishing Capital
Known as the fishing capital of the TCI, South Caicos (the Big South/East Harbour) has the best natural harbour in the islands. The waters around this 8.5 sq mile island offer an extraordinary array of fish and other crustaceans. The island also happens to be the leading bonefishing destination and houses several fishing plants. It also offers stunning wall and scuba diving adventures.With such an abundant sea life it is no surprise that the island of South Caicos is home to Boston University’s School for Field Studies.South Caicos is the home of the oldest local island festival, the South Caicos Regatta which is held at the end of May each year. This event attracts residents and visitors from across the islands to enjoy a weekend of island music, boat racing and local cuisine.
SALT CAY
This tiny, quaint island, ranked as one of the world’s top five dive destinations, offers complete relaxation to its visitors. A mere 2.5 square miles, it was the center of the Bermudan salt industry. The island has now been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.The quiet environment of Salt Cay has made it a haven for migrating birds. The whaling station at Taylor's Hill which has long been lying in ruins, offers visitors a spectacular view of migrating humpback whales as they pass through the Turks Channel between the months of January to April.A visit to the island can enhance one’s understanding of the history of salt raking as the White House (owned by descendants of Bermudan salt rakers) and the Homestead Ruins are explored. The main modes of transportation on this island are golf carts and bicycles.
Known in the past as the "Garden Island", North Caicos has been the bread basket of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Today most people refer to it as the "Emerald Isle", due to its lush greenery.
Located 12 miles Northeast of Providenciales, North Caicos consists of four settlements, Kew, Bottle Creek, Sandy Point, and Whitby. Its abundant rainfall which accounts for its rich and fertile soil, makes it ideal for agriculture. Years ago fine sloops were built to transport crops from the farms to the other islands.The island is home to the largest flock of pink flamingoes that nest in the Flamingo Pond reserve. In addition, there are osprey nests located at Three Mary’s Cay on the northern coast of the island.Other points of interest on the island include Horse Stable Beach, the new festival village,Pelican Point and Wades Green Plantation ruins. In 2007, a new causeway was opened which links North and Middle Caicos by road. Travellers can now drive the full length of these islands.
MIDDLE CAICOS
Middle Caicos, the largest island in the Turks and Caicos chain, is 48 square miles and has an outstanding area of natural beauty as well as having the UK’s largest Ramsar sites for protected wetlands and possibly one of the largest areas of natural habitat left in the Caribbean. The three settlements of Conch Bar, Lorimers and Bambarra have a combined population of 277 residents.
The settlement of Conch Bar is home to the largest above ground cave network in the Northern Caribbean. These huge limestone caves feature stalagmites, stalactites, bats, owls and salt lakes that link to the sea.The remains of huge Lucayan Indian settlements can also be found on this island. One site that was excavated in 1978, contains a Lucayan Ball Court, unknown elsewhere in the Lucayan islands. For nature lovers, a frigate bird colony on the southern end of the island is home to flamingoes, egrets and sand pipers while just offshore, a large blue hole features an abundant variety of marine life.
PINE CAY
The home of the Prestigious Meridian Club, Pine Cay is a private cay with nature trails and miles of pristine beach. It is 800 acres, less than one mile wide and two miles long. It is the only cay that has fresh water lakes, a legacy left behind by Hurricane Donna in 1960. The atmosphere is peaceful with no cars allowed, instead residents use golf carts or bicycles. Pine Cay is an exclusive community, which consists of 20 houses occupied seasonally by the select few.
The cay was also the site for the first tourist development in the islands planned in the 1950's but came into operation in the 1970's.
PARROT CAY
Parrot Cay,originally thought to have been named Pirate Cay is home to the luxurious Shambhala Resort and Spa. Privately owned, local legend has it that it was here in the 1720's celebrated pirate, Ann Bonny came with her men when her captain, Calico Jack Rackham was hanged.
PROVIDENCIALES
Located on the western side of the Caicos archipelago is the island of Providenciales, locally called Provo.
This island which is 38 sq. miles has become a paradigm for the successful co-existence of unspoilt natural beauty and commercial development. Many have attributed Provo’s success as a magnet for discerning wealthy retirees to the respect that the local community holds for the environment.
Provo, holds many of the treasures that the government officially recognizes as representing the very best of the country’s traditions. One such treasure is Jojo, the bottle-nosed dolphin who can be found swimming the turquoise waters of the Grace Bay area.
Other points of interest include the Cheshire Hall and the Rice Plantation Ruins as well as the only Conch Farm found in the world.
Today, Providenciales has the largest population in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Souce TCI Govt Website.
Turks and Caicos Real Estate
Caribbean Home Finder
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.jpg "No.009 18x24 The 'Plainsman' Brian Webster - painted specially for this appeal. Acrylic in Canvas RRP $850")
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