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Hatchet Bay Silos
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The Hatchet Bay Silos on Eleuthera Island are monumental landmarks representing an ambitious agricultural era in the mid-20th century. These massive concrete structures were a central part of the Hatchet Bay Plantation, established in the 1930s and 40s by American entrepreneur Austin Levy. The project aimed to make the Bahamas self-sufficient in dairy and poultry products, necessitating the storage of vast quantities of feed. The silos rise prominently from the landscape and serve as a rare example of industrial agro-architecture in the Caribbean. At its peak, the plantation was the largest employer on Eleuthera, featuring cutting-edge technology, its own power plant, and a fleet of vessels for exporting goods to Nassau. Although operations ceased in the 1970s, the silos remain as symbols of innovation and the historical attempt to minimize the country's reliance on food imports. They offer visitors a unique glimpse into the island's economic history beyond its well-known beaches and tourism.
- Location: Bahamas
- Nearby: Gregory Town (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 25 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 33 | 40 | 56 | 114 | 131 | 107 | 122 | 145 | 113 | 66 | 38 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Hatchet Bay Silos are freely accessible and can be viewed from the outside. The interior is off-limits due to collapse risk and decay.
Typical hours
The site is generally accessible during daytime with no fixed opening hours. Visit during daylight for safety and to clearly see the decaying concrete structures.
Photography
Photography from the outside is always allowed, offering great subjects for urban decay aesthetics. Avoid entering the property to take pictures.
Time needed
A visit typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Allow extra time for photography and exploring the surrounding area.
Combine with
Combine the silos with nearby Eleuthera beaches like French Leave Beach. Gregory Town Artists' Colony is also a short drive away.
Getting there
The silos are located on the main road in Hatchet Bay and are easily reached by rental car. Street parking is available; there is no official car park.
Insider tip
Bring a flashlight to shine through the silo openings - the light effects are spectacular. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven and covered with debris.
Geography
Facts
- The silos were part of the Hatchet Bay Plantation, established in 1936.
- Austin Levy invested millions of dollars to modernize the farm.
- The site hosted over 1,000 dairy cows and tens of thousands of chickens.
- The silos were used to store imported grain and corn for livestock feed.
- The plantation featured the first modern dairy processing plant in the Bahamas.
- The farm was taken over by the government in the 1970s before closing.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What were the Hatchet Bay Silos used for?
They were formerly used for storing feed for a large dairy farm.
Can you visit the silos inside?
They can mostly only be viewed from the outside as they are abandoned.
Where exactly are they located?
They are located right off the main road near Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera.
Are the silos good for photography?
Yes, the decaying towers provide a unique industrial aesthetic.
Is there parking available?
You can pull over briefly on the side of the road to take photos.
Hatchet Bay Silos: where is it located?
Hatchet Bay Silos is located in Bahamas.
Hatchet Bay Silos: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Hatchet Bay Silos: why is it worth visiting?
The Hatchet Bay Silos on Eleuthera Island are monumental landmarks representing an ambitious agricultural era in the mid-20th century.
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