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Farquharson's Plantation Ruins

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Farquharson's Plantation Ruins (Bahamas)

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The Farquharson's Plantation Ruins on San Salvador Island, formerly known as Watling's Island, stand as one of the most significant archaeological remnants of the plantation era in the Bahamas. Established by Charles Farquharson, a British Loyalist, in the early 19th century, the estate was primarily dedicated to the cultivation of high-quality Sea Island cotton. The site is uniquely historically significant due to the preservation of Farquharson's journal from 1831 to 1832, which provides an unparalleled firsthand account of slave life, agricultural practices, and social dynamics just years before the 1834 Emancipation Act. The remaining limestone structures include the main house, slave quarters, and various outbuildings, illustrating the functional layout of a Caribbean plantation. Today, these ruins serve as a solemn memorial to the colonial past and a critical site for understanding the socio-economic transformation of the region following the end of slavery.

Location: Bahamas
Top sights: San Salvador Island · Cockburn Town, Bahamas
Nearby: Port Nelson (36 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	24	24	24	25	26	27	28	29	29	28	26	25
Rain mm	29	20	20	29	75	61	45	54	73	92	62	28

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Farquharson's Plantation ruins are open to the public and can be explored on foot. The site includes remnants of stone buildings and a tower sometimes called Blackbeard's Castle.

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Typical hours

Typically open during daylight hours; no admission fee is usually charged. May be unattended, so come prepared with sun protection and water.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the ruins. The contrast of old stone walls against blue skies makes for great shots.

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Time needed

A thorough exploration takes about 30-45 minutes. Combine with a visit to other San Salvador attractions like the Gerace Research Centre.

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Combine with

Combine with a trip to the island's beaches and the monument to Christopher Columbus's landing. Also visit the nearby town of Cockburn Town.

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Getting there

Accessible by car or taxi from Cockburn Town; a dirt road leads to the site. Signage may be limited, so a GPS can help.

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Insider tip

Look for the 'Blackbeard's Castle' tower and imagine the pirate lore. Bring bug spray as mosquitoes can be present in the ruins.

Geography

Coordinates

24.03000, -74.52000

Facts

The plantation covered an area of approximately 1,500 acres at its height.
The Charles Farquharson journal documents the daily operations for the years 1831 and 1832.
The primary crop was Sea Island cotton, highly valued for its long and silky fibers.
Slavery was officially abolished in the Bahamas on August 1, 1834.
The ruins are constructed primarily from local limestone and coral sand mortar.
Charles Farquharson was a British Loyalist who settled in the islands after the American Revolution.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cockburn Town (San Salvador)<1 km · NEExplore →

San Salvador's Inland Lakes2 km · NExplore →

San Salvador West Coast3 km · SExplore →

Dixon Hill Lighthouse8 km · NExplore →

Pigeon Creek (San Salvador)8 km · NExplore →

Salt Beacon of Rum Cay36 km · SExplore →

Landrail Point41 km · NWExplore →

Albert Town45 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Farquharson's Plantation Ruins (2)

San Salvador Island📍 landmark

San Salvador Island is an island in the Bahamas. It is known for its beaches and historic plantation ruins.

Cockburn Town, Bahamas📍 landmark

Cockburn Town is the main settlement on San Salvador. The town has a quiet atmosphere and old buildings.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where are the ruins located?

On San Salvador Island, Bahamas.

Can you walk among the ruins?

Yes, you can walk among the remains of the main house and slave quarters.

Are there guided tours?

Occasionally local guides offer tours; it is often explored independently.

How much time do you need?

About 45 to 60 minutes is enough for an exploration.

Is the site suitable for children?

Yes, but caution is advised as the walls can be unstable.

Farquharson's Plantation Ruins: where is it located?

Farquharson's Plantation Ruins is located in Bahamas.

Farquharson's Plantation Ruins: what is there to see?

Highlights include San Salvador Island, Cockburn Town, Bahamas.

Farquharson's Plantation Ruins: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Farquharson's Plantation Ruins: why is it worth visiting?

The Farquharson's Plantation Ruins on San Salvador Island, formerly known as Watling's Island, stand as one of the most significant archaeological remnants of the plantation era in the Bahamas.

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