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

Explore the ruins of an 18th-century sugar plantation and windmill, offering a glimpse into Tortola's history and the lives of enslaved Africans.

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Mount Healthy National Park on Tortola, British Virgin Islands, preserves the ruins of an 18th-century sugar plantation, including a well-preserved windmill. This small park offers a window into the island's past, showcasing the structures and stories of the enslaved Africans who once labored here.

A brief summary to Mount Healthy National Park

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a stop at a nearby bar for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
  • Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be a little rugged with grass and rocky surfaces.
  • Consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds and allow ample time for exploration.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Tortola Ferry Terminal in Road Town, head east on Main Street (Route 1). Continue past the shops and restaurants until you reach the roundabout. Take the first exit onto Waterfront Drive and follow the road until you see the sign for the entrance to Mount Healthy National Park. The park is located at C9W5+6PJ, Unnamed Road, Leonards. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 30 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no public bus system in the BVI, private shuttle services may be available from Road Town to Leonards. Check with local transportation providers for schedules and availability. From Leonards, follow the Unnamed Road (C9W5+6PJ) to Mount Healthy National Park. Shuttle costs vary but typically range from $5-10 per person.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at the Tortola Ferry Terminal and other locations in Road Town. A taxi ride from Road Town to Mount Healthy National Park will cost approximately $20-30. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. The ride is approximately 15-20 minutes.

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Discover more about Mount Healthy National Park

Mount Healthy National Park, a compact one-acre site on Tortola's north shore, offers a poignant look into the British Virgin Islands' history. The park's centerpiece is the remarkably intact stone windmill, a relic from the 18th century. This windmill was once part of a 250-acre sugar plantation, where enslaved Africans cultivated sugarcane on the terraced slopes. The sugarcane was processed into sugar and shipped to Britain. Visitors can explore the windmill's sturdy structure, constructed from field rubble, and imagine the bustling activity that once filled this space. The large arched apertures, accented by cut stone blocks, served as functional openings for transporting sugarcane in and crushed cane (bagasse) out. Across the road from the windmill are the ruins of the mill round, which was powered by animals, the factory with boiling house, the distiller, hospital, and living quarters. Following the abolition of slavery in 1834, workers from the Mt. Healthy estate gained the opportunity to purchase land for their own cultivation. However, the sugar industry declined due to hurricanes in the 1830s and drought in the 1850s, leaving the windmill as a reminder of a bygone era. Today, Mount Healthy National Park stands as a testament to Tortola's complex past and the resilience of its people.

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