Mount Healthy National Park: A Glimpse into Tortola's Past

Mount Healthy National Park, located on Tortola's north shore, offers a unique glimpse into the island's 18th-century sugar production era. The park's centerpiece is the remarkably intact ruin of a stone windmill, the last of its kind in the British Virgin Islands. This windmill was once part of a 250-acre sugar plantation, where enslaved Africans cultivated sugarcane on the terraced slopes. Visitors can explore the sturdy stone structure of the windmill, imagining the arduous process of grinding sugarcane. The large arched openings, accented with cut stone blocks, were once used to haul sugarcane in and crushed cane out. Across the road from the windmill, you can also see the remnants of the mill round, animal-powered factory, boiling house, distiller, hospital, and living quarters, offering a comprehensive view of the plantation's operations. Following the abolition of slavery in 1834, former workers from the Mt. Healthy estate were able to buy land and cultivate it themselves. However, the sugar industry eventually declined due to hurricanes and drought. Today, Mount Healthy National Park stands as a reminder of Tortola's past, inviting visitors to reflect on the island's history and natural beauty.