Background

Mount Healthy National Park: A Glimpse into Tortola's Sugar Plantation History

Discover Tortola's past at Mount Healthy National Park, home to the BVI's only intact sugar mill, offering a glimpse into the island's plantation history.

4.5

Explore the ruins of an 18th-century sugar plantation at Mount Healthy National Park, home to the only surviving intact windmill in the British Virgin Islands. This small but historically significant park offers a glimpse into the lives of enslaved Africans who once cultivated sugarcane on these slopes, providing a poignant reminder of the island's past.

A brief summary to Mount Healthy National Park

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby bar for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
  • Wear sturdy shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and rocky.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited amenities within the park.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Road Town, the main transport hub of Tortola, take a taxi towards the north shore. Inform the driver you wish to go to Mount Healthy National Park in Leonards. The taxi should be able to take you directly to the park entrance on the Unnamed Road. Confirm the fare before starting your journey, as fares are typically per person and set in advance. A one-way taxi from Road Town to Mount Healthy National Park typically costs around $25-$35 USD.

  • Driving

    If driving from Road Town, follow the main road towards the north shore. Once you reach the Ridge Road, turn towards Brewer's Bay and continue along the road towards Leonards. Look for signs indicating Mount Healthy National Park. The park is located on an Unnamed Road; follow it for about 1 mile to reach the park. Parking is limited near the site.

Unlock the Best of Mount Healthy National Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Mount Healthy National Park

Mount Healthy National Park, located on the north shore of Tortola, offers a unique window into the British Virgin Islands' past. The park's centerpiece is the remarkably preserved stone windmill, the last of its kind in the BVI, dating back to the 18th century. This windmill was once part of a thriving 250-acre sugar plantation, where enslaved Africans toiled to cultivate sugarcane on the terraced hillsides. Visitors can explore the ruins of the mill and imagine the bustling activity that once filled the area. The large arched openings in the windmill's thick walls, constructed from field rubble, are accented by cut stone blocks. These openings were used to transport sugarcane into the mill for grinding and to remove the crushed cane, known as bagasse. Across the road, remnants of the animal-powered mill, boiling house, distillery, hospital, and living quarters offer further insight into the plantation's operations. Following the abolition of slavery in 1834, formerly enslaved people from the Mount Healthy estate were able to purchase land for their own cultivation. However, a series of devastating hurricanes in the 1830s and a severe drought in the 1850s led to the decline of the sugar industry, transforming the windmill into a relic of a bygone era. Today, Mount Healthy National Park stands as a testament to Tortola's complex history and a place for reflection on the lives of those who shaped it.

Popular Experiences near Mount Healthy National Park

Popular Hotels near Mount Healthy National Park

Select Currency