LIVE WEBCAMS FOR TURKS AND CAICOS

Pre-Columbian Era

Indigenous Peoples: The islands were originally inhabited by Lucayan Taíno people, part of the Arawakan-speaking group who migrated from Hispaniola (now Haiti/Dominican Republic) and Cuba.

 

Way of Life: They lived off fishing, farming (cassava, sweet potatoes), and trading. Their population was estimated in the tens of thousands before European contact.

 

European Contact and Colonization (1492–1700s)

Columbus' Arrival (1492): Though not definitively proven, it's possible that Christopher Columbus sighted the islands during his voyages.

 

Spanish Rule: Spain claimed the islands, but they did not settle them, and the indigenous population was soon enslaved or wiped out by disease and forced labor.

 

Pirates and Salt: During the 1600s and 1700s, the islands were often visited by pirates, including the infamous Calico Jack. Salt raking became the major industry, especially on Grand Turk.

 

British Influence and Colonial Era (1706–1962)

British-French Disputes: France and Britain fought over the islands, but Britain gained control in the 1700s.

 

Bermudian Settlers: British settlers, particularly from Bermuda, established salt-panning operations on Grand Turk and Salt Cay.

 

Slavery and Emancipation: African slaves were brought to work in the salt ponds. Slavery was abolished in 1834, but freed people continued working in harsh conditions.

 

Dependency Status: The islands were administered as part of the Bahamas, then Jamaica, and later directly by Britain when Jamaica gained independence in 1962.

 

Modern Period (1962–Present)

Crown Colony: In 1973, when the Bahamas became independent, Turks and Caicos became a separate British Crown Colony.

 

Moves Toward Self-Governance: The islands developed a local government but remain a British Overseas Territory.

 

Constitutional Suspensions: Political corruption led to constitutional suspensions in 1986 and 2009, with Britain temporarily taking direct control.

 

Tourism Boom: Today, Turks and Caicos thrives on tourism, real estate, and offshore finance, with world-famous beaches and luxury resorts.

 

Modern Status

Capital: Cockburn Town (on Grand Turk)

 

Population: Around 45,000 (2023 est.)

 

Official Language: English

 

Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)

 

Government: Parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy (King Charles III)