Haulover Plantation

Haulover’s iconic chimney.

Haulover Plantation is found two miles north down a dusty road from the tiny settlement of Lorimers on Middle Caicos. Founded by British military doctor John Lorimer on the 23rd of April 1791, this plantation mainly produced cotton, but agricultural experiments with sisal were also carried out.

The original land granted to Dr. John Lorimer which became Haulover Plantation was 504 acres (204 hectares). However, the plantation was expanded when it was taken over by Wade Stubbs of Wade's Green Plantation at the time of Dr. John Lorimer’s death in 1807.

The eastern side of Middle Caicos where Haulover Plantation is located was the center of the cotton industry in the Turks and Caicos and the area was initially quite successful.

A variety of cotton referred to as Sea Isle Cotton was the crop of choice, a plant that was introduced to the archipelago by the Taino natives that inhabited the islands before the arrival of Columbus.

By the mid 1800s, infestations of the boll weevil and soil depletion had unfortunately put an end to the boom days.

Today, only field walls, partial buildings, an interesting open well, and most prominently, the kitchen, remain of Haulover Plantation. There’s not as much to see at this plantation as compared with Wade’s Green Plantation on North Caicos, but it’s worth a visit for the adventurer or history buff.

Above: Much of the Turks and Caicos is low quite low lying, and wells often did not have to be very deep. This walk-in well at Haulover Plantation would only have been about 8 feet deep when in operation.   Top right:  Top left:  Foundation of the Main House.   Bottom right:  Top right:  Nearly all of the natural stone found in the Turks and Caicos is soft limestone, which in some cases disintegrates comparatively rapidly. The upper half of the wall in this image is still protected by the original plaster made from burnt and crushed conch shells.  

Getting to Haulover Plantation

Haulover Plantation is located quite a distance away from the other attractions and settlements on Middle Caicos, so be sure to bring plenty of drinking water as the closest shop is miles away. A 1500-foot (457 m) unpaved walking path leads from the road through the bushy vegetation to the main plantation ruins.

To get to Haulover Plantation, follow the paved road from the village of Bambarra towards Lorimers. Turn left onto the unpaved road directly before the village of Lorimers and continue for about 1.8 miles (2.9 km). A small sign and the start of the walking path will be on your left.

Haulover Plantation is a protected historical site. It is illegal to steal, vandalize or damage any artifact or structure.