BODDEN TOWN, Grand Cayman
AREA: 22.2 SQUARE MILES
|
| POPULATION: 3,410 |
(1989 CENSUS) |
| POPULATION: 5,764 |
(1999 CENSUS) |
| POPULATION: 8,000 |
(2008 APPROX.) |
The History of Bodden Town on Grand Cayman Island
Bodden Town tradition tells us that Bodden Town was the island's first capital, it has been said, "that George Town was only a Hamlet when Bodden Town was a Town." It is believed that the town's pre-eminence among the localities on Grand Cayman was derived from its location, "which provided a vantage point for the sighting and hailing of passing English merchant ships." Bodden Town boasted a good harbor where local sailing vessels could safely anchor. In fact, legend has it that the famous pirate, Neal Walker (locally referred to as Needle Walker) made Bodden Town his headquarters and that many of his treasures are hidden along its coast and caves.
One of the earliest settlements on Grand Cayman took its name not from any individual settler, but from the number of inhabitants bearing the name of Bodden (or Bawden). Tradition has always said that the first settlers on the Islands were two soldiers by the names of Watler and Bawden, who came to the Cayman Islands in 1658 from Cromwell's disbanded army in Jamaica.
Various documents from the 18th century mention a number of Boddens living on Grand Cayman. In December 1734, two Jamaican merchants, Benjamin Batterby and William Foster made an agreement with "John Bodden of Grand Caymanas" to take eight male slaves to the island to cut mahogany in return for a quarter of the profits.
Governor William Bodden: The most prominent individual during this early period of Caymanian History was from this district and bore the Bodden surname. William Bodden served his country for many years (1776-1823) as its Chief Magistrate and also as "Major General" of the islands.
Bodden Town boasts of providing the Cayman Islands with their first, second and third college-trained teachers, the islands first professionally trained nurse and, through its influence, the first seminary trained minister of religion. For a long time, it was famed as a place rich in the traditional entertainments of kitchen dances, garden parties, and great celebration. Until fairly recently, it was still a centre of the type of activities which are now mainly to be found in George Town, Grand Cayman. The islands first discotheque as at the Lighthouse Club in Breakers; the drive-in cinema at Pease Bay was for a long time a centre of attraction; until the late 1960s Bodden Town supported a drama group which took its production all over the islands. Although Bodden Town has now largely lost its position as a hub of activity due to the incredibly fast development centred on the George Town area, it still remains one of the most characterful and interesting places to base your Grand Cayman vacation.
"Fish 'n' Fritters" by Carole Mayer
Photo Courtesy of Arteccentrix Gallery
Points and Places of Interest in Bodden Town, Grand Cayman
Pedro Castle: Originally called St James, this building is the oldest on Grand Cayman Island. Many legends are linked with this structure. One story is that it was built in 1635 by a Spanish settler, one Pedro Gomez. Blackbeard is supposed to have used its tower as a lookout for enemy ships. An Englishman, William Eden who arrived on the islands in 1765 built the "stone house" at Pedro in 1780 by slave labor and named it St. James Castle.
Guard House Hill: Located on the first incline as one enters Bodden Town. The site is one of the former capital's early lines of defense against invading pirates and Spanish marauders. This strategic point commanded both land and sea approaches and was manned chiefly at night by the local "militia" the Guard House being their accommodation.
Gun Square: Another point of defense for this early settlement is identified by two of the original cannons pointing in the ground. This battery was very important as it overlooked the district's principal channels of that day.
Queen Victoria Monument: Built in 1909 in memorial of Her Majesty. The cost of the memorial was funded by the people themselves.
Pirates Caves: There are numerous caves in Grand Cayman. The Pirates Caves are large enough to walk through and are said to have had tunnels connected to the sea. They were reputedly the hiding place for pirate treasure, although only cannonballs and bones have been found.
Slave Wall / Drummonds Wall: This structure is found at the back of Bodden Town, in the bush, and tradition says that early Bodden Towners retreated behind it for protection against invaders. Originally, the Wall is said to have been several miles long and in a U-shape, built of stones hewn to fit precisely one on top of the other without mortar. Exactly when it was built is uncertain, but oral history says that it was built by slaves. One of them, a Spaniard named Drummond, supervised a seven foot high section which became known as "Drummond' Wall".
Webster House- Mission House:
This district of Bodden Town boasts some of the oldest surviving dwelling houses in the Cayman Islands. The Mission House site includes a traditional Caymanian two store home situated on an area of dry and wetland frequented by a variety of local wild life. The site is known to have been utilized by early settlers for its abundant waterfowl and supply of water in the 1700’s. The site rose to prominence in the 1800's and became known as the "Mission House" to early missionaries, teachers and families who lived and contributed to establishing the Presbyterian ministry and school in Bodden Town. (Visit website: www.Nationaltrust.org.ky.)
Cayman Zoe Julia Butterfly
Things to see and do in Bodden Town, Grand Cayman:
West Indian Woodpecker (Melanerdes Superciliardis Caymanensis)
Things to see and do in the Eastern Districts of Grand Cayman:
White Peacock Butterfly
Grand Cayman Excursions:
Things to do in Grand Cayman
- 20 acres of nature trails + birdwatching
- Bicycle and horseback riding
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Fishing
- Shopping
- World class dining
A Few Things to Know
Grand Cayman Weather: The Cayman Islands is blessed with wonderful weather for much of the year. The average year round temperature is 82F / 28C.
Communications: Cayman's Telephone System is completely modern and efficient, with reliable service on all three islands. International calls can be purchase in many locations. Fax and telegraph services are available, as is internet access and wireless internet at The Retreat at Lookout and internet cafes throughout the island.
Dress Code: The Cayman Islands law prohibits all form of public nudity, including topless sunbathing. In accordance with local customs, we also request that you wear a shirt, dress or beach cover-up.
Grand Cayman Currency: The C.I. Dollar is on fixed exchange rate of $.80 CI equals $1.00 U.S. The US dollar is accepted throughout the Cayman Islands. Automated teller machines (ATM's) are also available. American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted.
Time Zone: Eastern standard time is observed in Cayman, but there's no change for daylight savings.
Electricity Mains: 120V 60Hz Sockets A,B.
Flights to Grand Cayman: The main airport for Grand Cayman is Owen Roberts International Airport, airport code "GCM". There are more than 55 weekly flights into the Cayman Islands. Airlines which fly into Grand Cayman are:
Cayman Airways,
American Airlines,
Continental Airlines,
Delta Airlines,
US Airways,
Air Canada,
WestJet,
British Airways and
Air Jamaica.
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