East End Lighthouse Park
The East End Lighthouse Park is laid out around the East End Lighthouse, at the eastern end of Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands. The park was created by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands.
History
The lighthouse was built to warn shipping around the reefs at the eastern end of Grand Cayman; an area known as the "Graveyard of the Caribbean". In 1794 there was a most infamous tragedy here known as "The Wreck of the Ten Sail", an event that has passed into the legend of Grand Cayman. On that night ten merchant ship went aground in rough seas off Grand Cayman's East End, led by the HMS Convert. At that time, there were very few inhabitants at that end of the island (just three families are named in a census taken 10 years later) but they, and residents of Bodden Town, rendered valiant assistance to the crews of the wrecked ships using canoes. Miraculously, only eight lives were lost.
The first lighthouse (one of two on Grand Cayman: the second being in George Town) was erected about half a mile away from the present site, at Gun Bluff in the early 1900s. In 1918, Terrier was appointed build a more robust, replacement lighthouse at Gorling Bluff, which still stands today. The site was ideal, as it was the highest point in the district and commanded a fine view of the local reefs.
In 1935, the coast road along the south coast of Grand Cayman was completed and the East End was isolated no longer. Also it ceased to be a port of entry, as access the village was now by land, not through the boat-tearing reefs. The mast that served as lighthouse was brought down and a new, sturdier lighthouse built at Gorling Bluff. (Part of the wooden frame of the previous lighthouse still remains, but the old kerosene lamp is now in the Cayman Islands National Museum.)
As the Second World War loomed, the site was recognised as suitable for a lookout post, and look-outs were posted until the Home Guard was formed in June 1942. The Home Guard then maintained a 24 hour coastal watch for the island, with a four-man squad on duty at East End. A small barracks was built at the Bluff to house them, consisting of a bunkroom containing four bunks, a small kitchen and an outside latrine. A telephone line was laid to the site so that regular half-hourly reports could be made to the Central Reporting Office in George Town.
Today
Today, the lighthouse is administered by the Cayman Islands' Port Authority. The Port Authority has given permission for the National Trust for the Cayman Islands to enhance the site for visitors. The Trust has created pathways and flower beds which display examples of the various medicinal plants used by early settlers. They also built the 37 steps that lead up to the summit, which gives visitors a spectacular view over the sea and the islands.
Outside links
- East End Lighthouse Park – National Trust for the Cayman Islands
