Road Town, located on Tortola, is the capital of the British Virgin Islands.
It is situated on the horseshoe-shaped Road Harbour in the centre of the
island's south coast. The population was about 9,400 in 2004.
The name is derived from the nautical term "the roads", a place less sheltered
than a harbour but which ships can easily get to. A 28 hectares development
called Wickham's Cay, consisting of two areas that were reclaimed from the sea
and a marina, have enabled Road Town to emerge as a haven for yacht chartering
and a centre of tourism. This area is the newest part of the city and the hub
for the new commercial and administrative buildings of the BVI. The
oldest building in Road Town, the HM Prison on Main Street, dates from the
1840s. Climate
The British Virgin Islands enjoy a tropical climate, moderated by trade
winds. Temperatures vary little throughout the year. In the capital,
Road Town, typical daily maxima are around 32 °C in the summer and 29 °C in
the winter. Typical daily minima are around 24 °C in the summer and 21 °C in
the winter. Rainfall averages about 1,150 mm per year, higher in the hills
and lower on the coast. Rainfall can be quite variable, but the wettest months
on average are September to November and the driest months on average are
February and March. Hurricanes occasionally hit the islands, with the
hurricane season running from June to November.
Transportation and tourism Road Town is one of the principal
centres for bareboating in the Caribbean. Many successful yacht-charter
businesses operate from Road Town. Cruise ships can be often seen docked
here as well. Hi The Harbour is a popular jumping-off
point for many of the ferries servicing the island. The ferry terminal is
located at the south-west end of Road Town. Ferries run during the day every
day of the week, but rarely at night: it is important to consult an up-to-date
ferry timetable in advance. Road Town is served by the British
Virgin Islands' only major airport, Terrance B. Lettsome International
Airport, at Beef Island, within a short drive of the city. Only short haul
flights are available from this airport, long distance flights are served by
Cyril E. King Airport in the US Virgin Islands.
"Buses" in Tortola refers to full-sized passenger vans, or large modified
open-air pick-up trucks with bench seating and a canvas top: these are
known locally as "safaris". Traveling by bus can be less expensive than having a
taxi to oneself, and is often an option when travelling from the airport to Road
Town, or from town to either end of the island.
History On 1 August 1834, the Emancipation
Proclamation was read at the Sunday Morning Well.
In 1853, a town-wide fire destroyed nearly every building in Road Town. The
fire spread because of angry rioters protested an increase on the cattle tax.
Rioters eventually set fire to most of the plantations across the island.
Geographical limits There is some ambiguity as to the
precise geographical extent of Road Town. Approaching the town from the
west, a sign at the bottom of Slaney Hill greets visitors to Road Town. But
traditionalists assert that the town itself only starts from Road Reef and
Fort Burt, and that Prospect Reef Hotel is not technically in Road Town.
Approaching Road Town from the east, there is similar ambiguity if Road Town
begins at the Port Purcell roundabout below Fort George, or whether it also
includes Baughers' Bay. Fort Burt and Fort George were the
historical markers of the western and eastern limits of the town which
benefitted from the protection of the Crown.
Images See also
Government House, the official residence of the Governor of the British Virgin
Islands located in Road Town Notes
External links Ferry Schedule
Tortola Map & Guide Detailed map of Road Town
article from Encyclopædia Britannica Real Travel/Frommer's Travel Guide to
Road Town