Ordnance Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ordnance Island |
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| Bermuda | |
St. George's Town, Bermuda, with Ordnance Island visible at the centre of the photograph
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 Ordnance Island
Location in Bermuda
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| Coordinates | 32°22′49″N 64°40′35″W / 32.38028°N 64.67639°W |
| Type | Barracks |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Government of Bermuda |
| Site history | |
| Built | 19th century |
| Built for | War Office |
Ordnance Island is a small island located in St. George's town, Bermuda. It sits in St. George's Harbour, very close to the town square, known as King's Square.
Contents
Island's Past: A Look at Ordnance Island's History
Ordnance Island is the only island within St. George's town. It covers about 1.75 acres (7,082 square meters). This island was created by joining several smaller islands together. These original islands were called Ducking Stool, Frazer's, and Gallows. In the early days of the colony, they were used for various official purposes.
From Small Islands to Military Depot
Once joined, these islands became a special storage area for the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) in the 1800s. This group was part of the British Army. They stored weapons, ammunition, and other military supplies here. These supplies were then sent to forts and military posts around St. George's.
Before Ordnance Island, military supplies were kept in the town itself. They were also stored on Hen Island, which is further out in St. George's Harbour. On November 1, 1812, lightning struck Hen Island, causing an accidental explosion. This blast was so powerful it broke windows all over St. George's. Ordnance Island is much closer to town, so a similar explosion there would have been very dangerous.
During the Second World War, the British Army no longer used the depot. From 1942 to 1945, the island was loaned to the US Navy. They used it as a base for their submarines.
Connecting the Island: Bridges and Filming
For a long time, there was no bridge connecting Ordnance Island to King's Square. A bridge was finally built after the Second World War. You can even see the island and its wooden bridge in the 1962 movie That Touch of Mink. This film starred Cary Grant and Doris Day. Today, a concrete bridge connects Ordnance Island to St. George's Island.
Modern Day Ordnance Island
Most of the old buildings built by the Army and the US Navy have been taken down. However, one large Army building, called the Storekeeper's House, is still there. It has been updated and now serves as offices for the Corporation of St. George.
Other buildings on the island include an office for HM Customs. This office helps clear visiting yachts. There is also a new terminal for cruise ships. A famous replica of the ship Deliverance is also located on the island. The original Deliverance was one of two ships built by survivors of the Sea Venture. The Sea Venture was the main ship of the Virginia Company. It was wrecked in Bermuda in 1609, which accidentally led to Bermuda being settled.
Ordnance Island was also important for a record-breaking journey. In 1985-1986, Dodge D. Morgan started and finished his non-stop, solo trip around the world here. He sailed on his yacht, the American Promise.
Memorial Park and Statues
The Major Donald H. (Bob) Burns Memorial Park is on Ordnance Island. This park features a statue of Admiral Sir George Somers. He is known as the founder of Bermuda. He was also the captain of the Sea Venture when it crashed on the reefs. Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon unveiled this statue in 1984. This was during the 375th anniversary of the shipwreck. The Memorial Park itself was officially opened on April 20, 1997. This happened during ceremonies that connected St. George's with Lyme Regis in England.
Images for kids
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Map of St. George's Town and Garrison, including Ordnance Island, around 1899
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Ordnance Island and St. George's Town, with Fort George in the background.
