The following information was provided by our Crewed Yacht Specialist, Gail Hartman:
Many people go to Virgin Gorda to explore The Baths, but you can also explore the nearby Copper Mine that is standing guard against the blue Atlantic. The Copper Mine is part of the National Parks that is throughout the British Virgin Islands. The ruins are located on the southeastern point of Virgin Gorda and were declated a BVI National Park in 2003. The Copper Mine was constructed in 1837 and its first shaft was sunk in 1838. In two separate periods over the next 24 years, 36 Cornish miners from England extracted ore from this site with the indispensable aid of some 140 BVI workmen. The mine was finally abandoned in 1862, and has stood as testament to these industrious men ever since. The shaft was driven by a coal-powered steam engine of Cornish design. The miners extracted the precious ore and sent it by ship back to South Wales. On the return trip, the ship would bring provisions, wood for construction, pay for the workers and coal with which to power their steam engine. Records reveal that by 1860, the shaft had reached a depth of 240 feet below sea level! To this day, you can still see the rich veins of copper which attracted the miners to this ruggedly beautiful point with its spectacular views of the Sir Frances Drake Channel. The copper mine road leading to this historic site was originally built by the miners, allowing them to haul their ore to Spanish Town for shipment to South Wales. If you go to visit, check out the great view of Fallen Jerusalem!
If you want to learn more about Virgin Gorda, watch for our May issue of Charter Chatter! We will also have information about Anegada. Both islands are wonderful destinations for your Tortola charter. - Donna
Many people go to Virgin Gorda to explore The Baths, but you can also explore the nearby Copper Mine that is standing guard against the blue Atlantic. The Copper Mine is part of the National Parks that is throughout the British Virgin Islands. The ruins are located on the southeastern point of Virgin Gorda and were declated a BVI National Park in 2003. The Copper Mine was constructed in 1837 and its first shaft was sunk in 1838. In two separate periods over the next 24 years, 36 Cornish miners from England extracted ore from this site with the indispensable aid of some 140 BVI workmen. The mine was finally abandoned in 1862, and has stood as testament to these industrious men ever since. The shaft was driven by a coal-powered steam engine of Cornish design. The miners extracted the precious ore and sent it by ship back to South Wales. On the return trip, the ship would bring provisions, wood for construction, pay for the workers and coal with which to power their steam engine. Records reveal that by 1860, the shaft had reached a depth of 240 feet below sea level! To this day, you can still see the rich veins of copper which attracted the miners to this ruggedly beautiful point with its spectacular views of the Sir Frances Drake Channel. The copper mine road leading to this historic site was originally built by the miners, allowing them to haul their ore to Spanish Town for shipment to South Wales. If you go to visit, check out the great view of Fallen Jerusalem!
If you want to learn more about Virgin Gorda, watch for our May issue of Charter Chatter! We will also have information about Anegada. Both islands are wonderful destinations for your Tortola charter. - Donna
1 comments:
Thanks for the information about Virgin Gorda. We are heading to the BVI this summer. We will look for the May issue of Charter Chatter to learn about more things to do and see on Virgin Gorda and Anegada! Great blog-
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