Overview:

The Old Sugar Factory is an archaeological site located in Barbuda, a Caribbean island of Antigua and Barbuda. The site was used as the main sugarcane processing facility when the British colonialists settled in the area in the 17th century. The salt-water windmill used to generate power for the factory still stands today and is considered the only evidence of the sugar industry that once existed here. There is also a large pond, known as the Sergal Pond, which was created during the industrial process as runoff from the factory was poured here. The pond is now home to a variety of birds, fish and other marine life. Visitors can explore the ruins of the factory and learn more about the history of sugar production in Barbuda. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda
Prominent Features:

- In Barbuda, the Old Sugar Factory is a well-preserved ruin that dates back to the 1700s. - It was built by French settlers who became the first to cultivate sugar cane in the Caribbean. - The factory stood until the storm of 1847 damaged the building beyond repair. - It is now a beautiful ruin where visitors can explore the ruins and learn about Antigua and Barbuda's history. - The plantation is filled with ruins of the old factory, including the old walls, tanks, ovens, and boilers. - The site of the factory is now a protected area that allows visitors to explore and see the ruins in all of their beauty. - The Old Sugar Factory is still very much intact, with the exception of a few destroyed areas. It is considered to be the archaeological site of the first sugar plantation in the Caribbean. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda.

History:

The Old Sugar Factory in Barbuda was constructed in the latter decades of the 19th century, when the Barbudan economy was predominantly focused on sugar production. The factory was the largest of its kind in the Caribbean and was used to process and refine raw sugar cane. During the sugar boom period, it operated as a significant export hub for Barbudan sugar and made a major contribution to the island’s economy. The sugar industry diminished in the early 20th century due to various external factors, and the factory closed its doors. Although the facility remain dormant until the 1970s, when it was used as a rum distillery and was later converted into a clothing factory. The facility has since been disused and stands as a silent reminder of Barbuda’s past in the sugar business. The Old Sugar Factory is a protected archaeological site and has been designated a National Monument by the Barbuda Heritage Trust. Today, the Old Sugar Factory has become a popular historical site for tourists visiting the island. The site is managed by the Antigua and Barbuda Heritage Society, a non-profit organization aimed at safeguarding the island’s historical and cultural heritage. Visitors to the site can learn more about the island's sugar-producing past and explore the ruins of the factory. Visit one of the famous monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Old Sugar Factory on the Caribbean island of Barbuda was originally built in the late 1700s by sugar planters for the production of sugar. 2. It remained functioning until the 1850s when a devastating hurricane destroyed the building. 3. After the destruction of the factory, the Barbudan government utilized the ruins as a prison and police station for nearly a century. 4. The factory was then deserted for a long time until 2001 when the Barbuda Council raised funds to renovate it into a museum and research center. 5. Today, the Old Sugar Factory is a major tourist attraction and consists of several preserved historic buildings along with a research library and a cultural salon. 6. It is also home to the Barbuda archives which store a wealth of local artifacts related to slavery, colonialism, and the history of the island. 7. Additionally, the Old Sugar Factory offers guided tours of the grounds and tours to the nearby pink sands beach which is known for its stunning sunsets. One of the historical monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda, it tells the story of a bygone era