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British Virgin Islands offers lot of sights rich in history to its visitors. From forts and museums to plantations and historical landmarks, the tourists are enriched with the past and present of the island on their visit.
Callwood Distillery
Located Cane Garden Bay in Tortola, Callwood Distillery features some of the original buildings that are still in use. One can watch the process of rum making and being sold in the boiling room. The distillery's original boiler still operates and the rum is stored in some of the original storage casks. The old guard house is also intact and has been turned into an art gallery and gift shop.
The Dungeon
Located in Pockwood Pond halfway between Road Town and West End in Tortola, is the Dungeon. This fort was built in 1794 and housed a garrison of soldiers responsible for protecting the islands.
Fort Burt
Fort Burt was originally built on a hill with commanding views overlooking the harbor to defend Road Town. In 1776, English rebuilt it and named after William Burt, Governor of the Leeward Islands. It is free to enter and open daily from dawn to dusk.
Fort Recovery
Located outside Road Town area, Fort Recovery was built in the 1640s as a military gun post. These ruins remain intact and are the oldest historical landmark in Tortola.
Main Street
Main Street serves as the main shopping district of Road Town. The Main Street contains several historical landmarks including the Post Office built in the mid 1800s, St. Phillips Anglican Church constructed in 1840, and the Virgin Islands' Folk Museum.
Josiah's Bay Plantation
Josiah's Bay was originally a sugar factory. The building at Josiah's Bay Plantation was converted into a rum distillery in the early 20th century. Steam and diesel engines, examples of which can be seen on the site today, powered the machinery. An art gallery and store are also now housed in the historic building.
North Shore Shell Museum
Located at Carrot Bay, North Shore Shell Museum is a cluttered place with thousands of shells on display, as well as boats and various crafts.
Government House
Recently refurbished Old Government House is located in Road Town. A national landmark was once the governor's residence and now a public museum. It is open from Monday through Friday 9am to 2pm.
St. Philips Church
Constructed in 1840, St. Phillips Church is in the Road Town Area. It is said to be the first church built for liberated Africans in all the Americas.
Thorton Plantation
Thorton Plantation was the birthplace of one of Tortola's most famous sons. Architect William Thornton prepared his first plans for the new United States Capitol building here.
Vigilant
Vigilant, a traditionally styled 25-foot wooden boat is one of just 3 original Tortola sailing vessels remaining in the British Virgin Islands. It is located Nanny Cay. Since the 18th century, sloops such as this have carried trade goods and provided a means of communication among the islands. Vigilant was one of the fastest and a familiar sight on the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
Virgin Island Folk Museum
Located on Main Street just past The Plaza, the Virgin Island Folk Museum has some Arawak and Carib pottery and stone tools including a decorated spindle, wreck of The Rhone and H.M.S. Nymph artifacts, plantation items and reef conservation information. This small museum also sells t-shirts, paintings, maps, and gifts.
Zion Hill Chapel
An early 19th century chapel, built atop Zion Hill at West End, was the site of celebration on the day of Emancipation in 1834. After being periodically destroyed by hurricanes, it was replaced with the present Methodist chapel, a fine example of West Indian simplicity built in pastureland at the foot of Zion Hill. It has served as both a church and school.
Compiled By: Shuchita Bist
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