Facts About Adamstown |
|
|---|---|
| Country | UK |
| State | Pitcairn |
| Founded | 1764 |
| Area | 4.6 km2 |
| Population | 48 |
| Lat Long Coordinates | 25.0667° S, 130.1000° W |
| Time Zone | UTC-8 |
| Area Code | 64 |
| Language | Pitkern And English |
| Major Religion | Christian Sabbath |
| Point of interest | Lilypons Water Gardens |
About City :
Adamstown is the capital of Pitcairn Islands which is a part of the overseas British territory. Adamstown is the world’s smallest capital with a total population of around 50 people. It is the only settlement on the Pitcairn Islands and is about 5 sq km in area. The island has access to television, the internet, and even satellites but ham radio is still the most popular means of communication. The only named road on this island is “The Hill of Difficulty” which is also the only paved road on the island.
It was first discovered by the Europeans in 1767 by the crew of HMS Bounty, a British vessel, that mutinied against the Queen. The island has been occupied by many people over the years, the current population being the descendants of the Bounty mutineers and the Tahiti men and women who had accompanied them. The island is named after John Adams, the last of the mutineers to survive. It was only in 1838 that the island became a British colony. It is also one of the first governments to grant voting rights to women.
Geography :
About 150 m above sea level, Adamstown is located on the central-north side of the island. It faces the Pacific Ocean and is near Bounty Bay.
How to Reach (Transport) :
Adamstown has neither an airstrip nor a railway station. The easiest way to reach is to fly to the nearest airport of the Mangareva on the Gambier Islands and then charter a vessel to Pitcairn’s only port, Bounty Bay.
One can easily walk around the island but as most of the roads are unpaved and muddy, it is advisable to hire a Quad bike in order to experience the island in its entirety.
When to Visit :
Situated just below the Tropic of Capricorn, the island features a typical humid and tropical climate with an average temperature being 16° C on winter nights and 30° C on summer days. The area receives moderate rainfall and has no definite seasonal pattern. The winter months are wetter than the summer ones. Infrequent typhoons from November to March keep affecting this little island. The best time to visit would be the months of May and June and also September and October when it is relatively drier and more pleasant.
Fairs and Festivals :
Adamstown celebrates 23rd January as Bounty Day, in memory of the burning of the original ship by their ancestors, the mutineers. Celebrations include the burning of model replicas of the ship made by the islanders.
Points of Interest (Places to Visit) :
Adamstown is the sole settlement of the entire island and the following are the noteworthy places to visit.
- Pitcairn Island Museum, built in 2004 houses Pitcairn artifacts. It is the home of the Bounty Bible, previously stored in the Church.
- Bounty Bay, where the remains of the Bounty, which was deliberately burnt down by the mutineers lie about 3 feet underwater.
- The Public Hall, where the anchor of the Bounty has been put on display. The Church and Post Office are also located here.
- The St. Paul’s Pool, featuring a tidal pool of crystal clear waters is abundant in marine life. An ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling, it is one of the most visited spots on the island.
- The grave of John Adams, the last of the mutineers of the Bounty is a short walk up a hill that is a little east of the central square of the city.
- Thursday, October Christian’s House, the oldest house on the island.
Other places to visit are Taro Ground, the Pitcairn Curio and craft market, etc.
Accommodation :
As of now, the island has no hotels and there are only two choices, private self-contained bungalows, and the “Home-Stay” style. The “Home-Stay” style offers food, lodging, laundry, and even extra furniture. Jacq’s Place and a government-owned cottage, The Lodge are other options of accommodation on this remote island.