Heritage sites are dotted around the island, marking Cayman’s storied past. Explore a variety of celebrated landmarks and get acquainted with the days of yesteryear and the island’s rich heritage and history.
PEDRO ST. JAMES
Known as Cayman’s castle, this 18th century Caribbean great house is a national historic site. Hailed as the birthplace of democracy, it’s where the leaders of the day met in 1831 to form the first elected parliament. There are interpretive displays, guided tours and a 3-D multi-sensory presentation dramatising the lives of early settlers.
WRECK OF THE TEN SAIL
Wreck of the Ten Sail is the island’s most famous shipwreck. In 1794, 10 British Royal Navy ships ran aground on the reef at night in East End. It is said that King George III granted the islands tax-free status as a reward for the heroic rescue efforts of the locals (though no records exist of this royal decree). A monument and park in East End mark the site of the wreck.
FORT GEORGE
Overlooking George Town harbour, this historic fort was built by early settlers circa 1790 as a defence from attack by the Spanish who occupied neighbouring Cuba. There is a small wooden treehouse on site that was used by the homeguard during World War II to monitor German U-boat activity off the coast.
MISSION HOUSE
This historic home overseen by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands is one of the oldest known dwellings in Cayman, built in the 1800s. Located in Bodden Town, it was once home to Presbyterian missionaries and educators. The site offers a window to the past, where visitors can get a sense of how early settlers lived.
‘MIND’S EYE’ – MISS LASSIE’S HOUSE
This historic home in South Sound is an icon of Caymanian tradition, culture and art. It was the home of Caymanian visionary artist Gladwyn ‘Miss Lassie’ Bush. She began painting later in life, creating art inspired by Christian visions and Caymanian seafaring culture – images she saw in her ‘mind’s eye’. Her visionary paintings adorn the walls, windows and ceilings of the 19th-century wattle-and-daub home.
GUN SQUARE
Gun Square in Bodden Town was used to defend the village against potential attacks from invading pirates and Spanish marauders in days of yore. Two 18th-century cannons still stand there.
OLD SAVANNAH SCHOOLHOUSE
This one-room, ironwood-posted schoolhouse opened in 1940. The desks, ink bottles, ’dip-in’ pens and blackboard within it harken back to the days it served as a small schoolhouse for children aged 7 to 14.
This article originally appeared in the Love Local newspaper supplement.
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