Fountain Cavern National Park: A Journey into Anguilla's Ancient Past

Fountain Cavern National Park, located near Shoal Bay on Anguilla's northeastern coast, is a remarkable archaeological site and one of the most important pre-Columbian sites in the Eastern Caribbean. The park's centerpiece is an underground cavern system that descends approximately 50 feet below the surface, featuring a freshwater pool that was vital to the indigenous Amerindians. The cavern walls are adorned with ancient petroglyphs and rock carvings, with at least 33 preserved petroglyphs, including the impressive 14-foot stalagmite carved to represent Jocahu (also known as Yucahú), the supreme deity of the Taino people. This stalagmite statue, a masterpiece within its cultural context, is carved into a likeness of “Yucahú,” the “God of Yuca” (cassava), a spirit of fertility. The site was a major pilgrimage and worship location, with archaeological excavations indicating that Amerindians first utilized the site for ritual purposes around A.D. 400 and continued using the cave until at least AD 1200. The park and cavern demonstrate the artistic capabilities and spirituality of the Amerindian people who resided in Anguilla and the broader Caribbean before European contact. The site gained national park status in 1985 to preserve its historical and cultural significance. Today, visitors can take guided tours to fully appreciate the archaeological significance of this hidden gem, stepping back in time and connecting with the spiritual and cultural legacy of Anguilla's earliest people. The Anguilla Amerindian Interpretation Centre (AAIC) uses architecture and landscaping to interpret the period of the first Anguillians or the Taino peoples living in Malliouhana. The cave consists of a single, large chamber divided into two sections. The cavern is estimated to be 30,000 years old and was likely formed by the corrosion caused by the mixture of ground and sea water. The freshwater pools within the cavern were an important source of drinking water for the island's inhabitants, as Anguilla has no surface sources of fresh water. The faces and eyes carved into the walls of Fountain Cave may represent ancestor spirit eyes. Older Anguillians recall a time when the cave was freely accessible, with people climbing down tree roots to reach the cave floor until a steel ladder was installed in 1953.