Grand Turk – colonised in 1681 by Bermudians for its salt
The Lucayan people were the indigenous inhabitants of the island, which they called Abawana, 'the First Small Land'; the Spanish later called it Amuana. In 1681 Bermudians settled here and established the salt industry that shaped the islands for centuries, raking sea salt from shallow ponds still visible today. For a long while, at least until the early nineteenth century, the island was often called Grand Cay. At 18 square kilometres it is the largest of the Turks Islands and holds the territory's capital, Cockburn Town, with its old streets along the shore, as well as JAGS McCartney International Airport. Share your memories and family stories with the community.