Overview:

Potworks Dam is located in the northeastern part of Antigua and Barbuda on the site of an abandoned quarry. The dam was built in the early 2000s and has become a popular tourist destination, offering activities such as fishing, swimming, and kayaking. The 85-acre lake formed by the dam serves as a habitat for many native species of fish, birds, and other wildlife, as well as a recreational area for locals and visitors alike. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda
Prominent Features:

The Potworks Dam is located in the center of the island of Antigua-and-Barbuda. Built in the 1950s, the dam is a major source of freshwater for the Antigua-and-Barbuda population. It is also used for recreational purposes, including fishing and boating. Potworks Dam supplies the majority of the island’s potable water, with the rest coming from smaller rivers and lakes. The dam’s concrete core and its earthen embankment protect the surrounding landscape from flooding. It also helps to reduce the risk of mudslides and other debris on slopes near the shore. The dam also serves to slow down the water’s natural flow, making it safer for swimming and other water activities. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda.

History:

The Potworks Dam, located in the village of Potworks Dam in the English Harbour of Antigua and Barbuda, is one of the oldest dams on the twin island nation. It was constructed in the 1650s by the Royal Navy as an irrigation reservoir. The dam, known as Pebble Dam, was originally built to provide water to the residents of the dockyard at the English Harbour. In the mid-19th century, the dam was upgraded by the Antiguan Royal Navy with the addition of a sluice gate and a hand-operated weir system. This improved water control and allowed the dam's water to be shared between the dockyard and the villagers of Potworks Dam. The Potworks Dam also played an important role in the agricultural development of the region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1898, its reservoir was used to supply water to an irrigation system for the English Harbour Valley. This provided an alternative source of water and enabled local farmers to cultivate crops such as coconuts, cotton, arrowhead and arrowroot. Today, the Potworks Dam is an important part of the history of Antigua and Barbuda, and continues to play an important role in the country’s water supply and agricultural industry. It is a popular tourist attraction and is often used for recreational and sporting activities such as fishing and swimming. Visit one of the famous monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

• Potworks Dam is the oldest dam in the Caribbean, built in 1800 for the purpose of supplying water to the island’s sugar plantations. • It is also the second-longest dam in the region and one of the oldest dams in the New World. • The dam was built for the Antigua Sugar Co-op to help provide water for their fields. • Over time, the dam has been renovated to increase its storage capacity and improve its efficiency. • The dam is located in the Valley of the Antigua River, situated near the city of St. John's. • It is a popular destination for eco-tourism activities such as bird-watching and nature hikes. • The dam’s waters are a popular fishing site, especially for carp, bass and perch. • Potworks Dam is part of Antigua and Barbuda’s national heritage and is listed as an important ecological site. One of the historical monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda, it tells the story of a bygone era