Excavating Anguilla Rocks for Heritage Trail Project
The Anguilla Heritage Trail is a joint project supported by the Anguilla Archaeological and Historical Society (AAHS), the Anguilla National Trust (ANT), the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB), the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association (AHTA) and individual and corporate donors. The trail is scheduled to open officially during Anguilla Day celebrations this May.
The trail, based on successful Caribbean models in Grand Cayman and Nevis, aims to introduce visitors and locals to Anguilla’s past by creating permanent markers at 10 historic sites which were selected by public vote last year. The trail will be extended to include other sites in the future.
In addition to the markers, there are 30 directional signs to guide drivers to the sites and an interpretive brochure which will be available from the hotels, car rental agencies, and selected sites along the trail. The sites included are Colville Petty’s Heritage Collection, Old Valley Well, Old Courthouse Foundations (Crocus Hill), KoalKeel/Wardens Place, Katouche Bay, Rendezvous Bay, Sandy Ground (Overlook on Back Street), the Pumphouse, Wallblake House, and the Factory.
Each site is marked with a large, local boulder and plaque with a brief description. The Official Opening for the general public will be held at the Pumphouse in Sandy Ground on June 1, 2010. There will be another orientation for those involved in the tourist industry on June 8, 2010. Refreshments will be provided at each.
Notes: Where do I start? There is no official beginning but you may wish to obtain a souvenir brochure which will give you more information about the sites before you begin. Souvenir brochures are available from Colville Petty’s Heritage Collection in East End (which is conveniently labelled 1 on your map), the Anguilla National Trust, the Anguilla Tourist Board, the Anguilla Drug Store in The Valley, or from the concierge at your hotel.
How much does it cost? The Trail and brochure is FREE but you may wish to make a donation to ensure the trail’s continued success. Checks should be made payable to the Anguilla Archaeological and Historical Society (www.aahs.anguilla.com) and mailed to P.O. Box 252, The Valley, AI-2640, Anguilla.
How long will it take? Depending on how long you stop at each site, the trail will take you approximately 1 ½ hours. There are blue and orange directional signs with the Trail logo to help guide you from one location to the next and each site is marked in the brochure on a map of Anguilla.
