Middle Caicos facts for kids
A view of the Caribbean from Middle Caicos
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 Middle Caicos
Location in Turks and Caicos Islands
Middle Caicos
Location in Caribbean
The location of Middle Caicos within the Turks and Caicos Islands
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 21°47′17.49″N 71°44′4.35″W / 21.7881917°N 71.7345417°W |
| Archipelago | Lucayan Archipelago |
| Area | 144.2 km2 (55.7 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
| British Overseas Territory | Turks and Caicos Islands |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 275 |
| Pop. density | 1.9 /km2 (4.9 /sq mi) |
| Additional information | |
| Time zone | |
| • Summer (DST) | |
| ISO code | TC |
| Official name: North, Middle & East Caicos Islands | |
| Designated: | 27 June 1990 |
| Reference #: | 493 |
Middle Caicos is the biggest island in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is separated from North Caicos by a narrow passage called Juniper Hole. To its east, Lorimer Creek separates it from East Caicos. Only small boats can pass through these waterways.
Middle Caicos is famous for its many caves. It also has important places where the ancient Lucayan people used to live. The island is connected to North Caicos by a special road called a causeway. In the past, Middle Caicos was known as Grand Caicos, but that name is not used anymore.
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Exploring Middle Caicos Geography
Middle Caicos covers an area of about 144.2 square kilometers (55.7 square miles). It is part of the North Caicos and Middle Caicos District.
Some amazing natural spots on the island include Mudjin Harbour. This beautiful area is found on the northern coast. Another cool place is Conch Bar Caves, which we will learn more about later. On the eastern side of the island, you can find the old ruins of Haulover Plantation.
Ancient History: Lucayan People
Archaeologists have found at least 38 sites where the Lucayan people lived on Middle Caicos. It seems that Middle Caicos was a very important home for the Lucayan people in this warm region. Evidence shows that Lucayan settlements date back to 750 AD. Experts believe that as many as 4,000 Lucayan people once lived on the island.
Who Lives on Middle Caicos?
Today, about 275 people live on Middle Caicos.
Villages of Middle Caicos
There are three main villages on Middle Caicos. Each has its own unique story.
Lorimers Village
Lorimers is a small village located on the northeastern side of the island. It sits along Lagoon Inlet. With only 36 residents, it is the smallest of the three villages on Middle Caicos.
Bambarra Village
Bambarra is the second largest village on Middle Caicos. It is located east of Conch Bar, a little way inland. This village is special because it is the only town in the Turks and Caicos Islands with an African name. It is believed that Bambarra was first settled by people who survived a shipwreck. This happened in 1842 when a Spanish slave ship called Trouvadore sank off Middle Caicos.
Conch Bar Village
Conch Bar is the largest village on Middle Caicos. It has a primary school and government offices. Near the village is the Conch Bar Caves National Park. This park is home to one of the biggest cave systems in the Caribbean!
Conch Bar Caves: A Natural Wonder
The caves are made of karst limestone. In the 1880s, people used these caves to mine guano, which is bat droppings used as fertilizer. During this mining, people reportedly found old items from the Lucayan people. They also found the bones of animals. Sadly, these important discoveries were not kept safe.
Images for kids
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A view of the Caribbean from Middle Caicos
See also
In Spanish: Caicos Central para niños
