Cockburn Town facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cockburn Town
Capital
Top: Aerial view of Cockburn Town; Middle:Downtown Cockburn Town, St. Mary's Cathedral; Downtown Turks & Caicos Island National Museum, Cockburn Town coastline
Turks and Caicos Islands position in the North Atlantic Ocean
Map showing Cockburn Town's position with Turks and Caicos
Country	United Kingdom
Overseas territory	Turks and Caicos Islands
District	Grand Turk
Founded	1681
Area
• Town	6.71 sq mi (17.39 km2)
Population
• Town	133
Climate	BSh

Cockburn Town (pronounced KOH-bərn) is the capital city of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It covers most of Grand Turk Island. Salt collectors started the town in 1681.

Where is Cockburn Town?

Cockburn Town is located on Grand Turk Island, which is the biggest island in the Turks Islands group. The town is famous for its long, narrow streets and old-fashioned street lamps. You can see many buildings from the 1700s and 1800s along Duke and Front Streets. These buildings show a special style of architecture from Bermuda.

The closest safe place for boats to drop anchor is Hawk's Nest Anchorage. It is a protected spot. However, boats should only enter when there is good light. This is because of hidden reefs near the entrance.

A Look Back: History of Cockburn Town

Cockburn Town became the center of government in 1766. It was the first lasting settlement on any of the islands. Salt collectors founded the city in 1681. They came to the Turks and Caicos Islands to gather salt. People believe the city is built where Juan Ponce de León first landed on the island. The town is named after Francis Cockburn, who used to be the Governor of the Bahamas.

Cool Places to Visit

Turks & Caicos National Museum

The National Museum on Front Street

Cockburn Town is home to the Turks & Caicos National Museum. It is inside a historic building called Guinep House on Front Street. This house is thought to be over 180 years old. Many parts of the building came from old shipwrecks. For example, a ship's mast is one of the main supports for the building. The Guinep House was given to the Museum in 1990.

The museum has many interesting collections. One exhibit shows items from shipwrecks. This includes the oldest known European shipwreck in the Americas. It is called the Molasses Reef Wreck and dates back to 1505.

Other exhibits teach about the history of the Lucayans (the first people here). You can also learn about the Space Race, Turks and Caicos postage stamps, and the history of the slave trade. The museum also covers the sisal and salt industries. Plus, it shares general facts about the islands. There is also a garden next to the Guinep House.

The museum also works on cool research projects. One project is called "Message in a Bottle." It records messages that have washed ashore on Grand Turk for almost 40 years.

Her Majesty's Prison

"Her Majesty's Prison" is on Pond Street. It was built in the 1830s. This prison was used until 1994. Besides the main cell block and offices, it has a bell tower. It also has its own museum for visitors to explore.

Weather in Cockburn Town

Grand Turk has a hot semi-arid climate. This means it feels like summer all year round. There is a rainier season from September to December. During this time, the northeastern trade winds are strongest. This is also when hurricanes are more common.

Schools in Cockburn Town

The only high school in Cockburn Town is HJ Robinson High School.

See also

In Spanish: Cockburn Town para niños