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Island History
Originally settled by the Lucayan and Taino Indians, the history of the Turks and Caicos islands is rich and varied. According to the turksandcaicostourism.com website, "Turks is a reference to the indigenous Turk's head cactus and Caicos is from the Lucayan term 'caya hico' meaning string of islands."
My TCI ancestors were originally from England, then migrated to Bermuda, and then finally settled on Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos islands in the late 1700's and early 1800's in order to profit from the salt trade. Once the salt trade became obsolete, some migrated back to Bermuda and some went to Australia. The fact that many of my ancestors were born in the Turks and Caicos Islands makes me an official "Belonger," in island lingo.
Although the salt fields are still visible even today, the biggest industry now on TCI is in commercial conch farming. Taking a day trip to the Caicos Conch Farm is definitely a must-see attraction. You can see the conch in all stages of development, at the beautiful farm lying along the picturesque coast of Grand Turk.
Walking along the old back streets of TCI, discovering history along the way in all the buildings (and especially churches), you come to truly respect this country and these people for their wonderfully laid back and positive view on life.
For more on the history of TCI, check out the history page on turksandcaicostourism.com.