Belize District – Where European settlement in Belize began
The Belize District was the first area of the country settled by Europeans. The early settlers built their estates along rivers and creeks, which served as their main transport routes. Many estates were named after their owner's "bank" – Mr. Lord's estate on the Belize River became Lord's Bank, and Mr. Flowers' home place became Flowers Bank.
Many of these old estates grew into villages, while other place names such as Bocotora, Butcher Burns, More Force or Washing Tree still recall estates that never became villages. Belize City remained the country's capital until the move to Belmopan. Today the district is the country's main centre of trade. Do you know the stories behind your village's name? Share them with us!