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Loyalist Cemetery on Green Turtle Cay
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Historical site
The Loyalist Cemetery on Green Turtle Cay is one of the most poignant historical sites in the Abaco Islands. It was established in the late 18th century following the migration of British Loyalists who fled the newly formed United States after the American Revolutionary War. Many of these settlers arrived on Green Turtle Cay in 1783, seeking to maintain their way of life under the British Crown. The cemetery contains the remains of the island's founding families, whose surnames persist in the local community to this day. The headstones, often carved from marble or limestone, feature classical motifs and inscriptions that reflect the hardships of maritime life and the deep familial bonds of the era. Historically, the site documents the significant demographic shift in the Bahamas caused by the arrival of thousands of refugees and their enslaved people. Today, the cemetery is preserved as a vital monument, offering visitors a profound connection to the colonial past and the founding history of New Plymouth.
- Location: Bahamas
- Top sights: Black Sound Cay National Reserve · Green Turtle Cay
- Nearby: Treasure Cay (5 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 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 27 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 25 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 47 | 46 | 57 | 70 | 104 | 141 | 138 | 136 | 178 | 104 | 55 | 45 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Loyalist Cemetery on Green Turtle Cay is an open-air historic cemetery that can be visited. There is no entrance fee and the grounds are accessible during daylight hours.
Typical hours
Typically the cemetery is open daily from sunrise to sunset. As there are no set opening hours, visiting during daylight is recommended.
Photography
Photography in the cemetery is allowed as long as it is done respectfully. Avoid touching gravestones or disturbing the peace of the site.
Time needed
Visiting the cemetery typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Take your time to appreciate the old gravestones and the peaceful atmosphere.
Combine with
Combine the cemetery visit with a walk through the photogenic village of New Plymouth. The beaches and museum on Green Turtle Cay are also worth exploring.
Getting there
Green Turtle Cay is accessible only by ferry from Great Abaco Island. From the ferry dock, the cemetery is reachable on foot or by golf cart.
Insider tip
Wear sturdy footwear as the ground may be uneven. Insect repellent is advisable, especially in the evening hours.
Geography
Facts
- The earliest burials in the cemetery date back to the 1780s.
- Green Turtle Cay became a major Loyalist enclave following the 1783 migration.
- Inscriptions often record instances of yellow fever outbreaks in the 19th century.
- Marble headstones were frequently imported as ship ballast from the U.S. or UK.
- The cemetery is a central feature of the historic New Plymouth village.
- Several graves belong to veterans who fought for the Crown in the Revolutionary War.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Loyalist Cemetery on Green Turtle Cay (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who is buried in the Loyalist Cemetery?
American Loyalists who fled to the Bahamas after the revolution.
Where is the cemetery located?
In New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay, Abaco.
What makes this place special?
The weathered headstones tell the story of early settler history.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, as long as you behave respectfully toward the resting place.
Are there guided tours?
The cemetery can be visited as part of a historical walking tour.
Loyalist Cemetery on Green Turtle Cay: where is it located?
Loyalist Cemetery on Green Turtle Cay is located in Bahamas.
Loyalist Cemetery on Green Turtle Cay: what is there to see?
Highlights include Black Sound Cay National Reserve, Green Turtle Cay.
Loyalist Cemetery on Green Turtle Cay: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Loyalist Cemetery on Green Turtle Cay: why is it worth visiting?
The Loyalist Cemetery on Green Turtle Cay is one of the most poignant historical sites in the Abaco Islands.
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