Stacey
04-04-2004, 10:33 AM
This Park is considered to be one of the most impressive landmarks on Virgin Gorda. It is the only one like it in the whole of the English-speaking Caribbean, and is an important part of Virgin Gorda's past.
It's first inhabitants, the Amerindians, mined the area in search of copper, which they used to create tools and jewelry for trade.
The remains that can be still seen today are what is left of an 1860 factory built by miners from the area of Cornwall, England. When they came to the island in 1838, they brought with them modern mining techniques, which, in turn, were taught to Virgin Gorda's residents.
In the area of the ruins are many mineshafts, some as deep as 100 feet below sea level. Efforts to preserve these are now underway, and there are hopes it will be soon recognized as a World Heritage Site.
It's first inhabitants, the Amerindians, mined the area in search of copper, which they used to create tools and jewelry for trade.
The remains that can be still seen today are what is left of an 1860 factory built by miners from the area of Cornwall, England. When they came to the island in 1838, they brought with them modern mining techniques, which, in turn, were taught to Virgin Gorda's residents.
In the area of the ruins are many mineshafts, some as deep as 100 feet below sea level. Efforts to preserve these are now underway, and there are hopes it will be soon recognized as a World Heritage Site.