While Grand Cayman may seem like picture-perfect paradise (and it certainly is), there’s more to the island than meets the eye. Today, it’s famed for its pristine beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving, and natural beauty.
Yet Grand Cayman and the Cayman Islands have a history that goes back centuries, one that includes pirates, shipwrecks, and plenty of turtles.
Here at Rum Point Club, we’ve been a part of the Grand Cayman story for decades and have even contributed to its lore.
We’ve created this visitor’s guide to the history of Grand Cayman and the islands, helping you learn more about this Caribbean gem.
Keep reading to find out the best historic attractions on Grand Cayman and about Rum Point Club’s unique place in history. Otherwise, you can come find out for yourself at our Rum Deck and Solis Restaurant!
If you have any questions for us as you read, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The Cayman Islands were first spotted by the explorer Christopher Columbus in 1503. At the time, he had only seen Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, which were surrounded by turtles. He subsequently named it Las Tortugas. But later maps show all three islands with the name Lagartos, this time named after the crocodiles that once inhabited the islands.
Eventually the islands became known as Caymanas. Although they weren’t permanently inhabited, sailors made stops here to replenish their food supplies, including Sir Francis Drake, who visited in 1586.
According to tradition, the first settlers to arrive on the islands were two men named Bawden and Watler, who were possibly deserters or turtlers. They settled in 1658, with the name Bodden eventually being believed to refer to descendants of Bawden. It’s possible that Bodden Town is named after the Bawden family!
The Cayman Islands became known as a refuge for debtors and deserters, giving rise to the belief that it was a dangerous place. By 1670, the Cayman Islands came under the control of Great Britain, and a loose dependency on Jamaica was established.
While crocodiles no longer live on the islands, you’ll encounter plenty of wildlife here today. Learn more with our blog on 9 Aquatic Animals You’ll See in Grand Cayman.
Tales of the islands’ danger were not helped by the presence of pirates in the 1700s. Among the nefarious characters who sailed around the islands was the infamous Blackbeard, who is said to have captured a turtler off the shores of Grand Cayman in 1717.
Despite the threat of pirates, some of the first known permanent settlers began to make the islands their home, with land grants being made on Grand Cayman. Here, the mahogany trade took off. By the 1770s, the population grew to around 400 people, although half of these were slaves.
In 1794, one of the most momentous events in Grand Cayman’s history took place. On 8 February, 10 ships traveling in convoy wrecked on the shores of Grand Cayman. Local Caymanians came to the rescue, but eight lives were lost. This event became known as the Wreck of the Ten Sail and has gained a legendary reputation. It was said that a relative of King George III was a part of the convoy, and upon hearing of the efforts of the Caymanians, the king granted the islands freedom from war conscription and taxes. While there is no documented evidence supporting this, it’s said that is why the Cayman Islands enjoy tax-free status to this day.
If you’re interested in cruising the waters of Cayman today, check out our Introduction to Sailing in Grand Cayman.
By the early 19th century, the main industries on the Cayman Islands were turtling and wrecking, where cargo was taken from shipwrecks. Cotton production also became a major export, and by 1831 the local population had grown to around 2,000 people.
In 1834, the Cayman Islands saw one of its greatest changes in history — the abolishment of slavery. This led to a momentous shift in society, as former slaves were granted their freedom. Many moved to the north and east areas of Grand Cayman, where they took up land and became subsistence farmers.
With the abolishment of slavery, there were major tensions on the islands. Soldiers were sent to keep the peace between former slaves and slave-holders, yet this caused further tension as many of these soldiers were black while upper class Caymanians were white.
By the mid-1800s, the Cayman Islands were becoming increasingly remote due to the development of steamships which often bypassed the islands. Little development took place, eventually earning Cayman Islands the nickname “Islands that time forgot”. In 1863, the Cayman Islands officially became a dependency of Jamaica.
The 20th century was a time of sweeping change on the Cayman Islands. While the islands began to see more development in the early 1900s, World War I saw many Caymanians enlist to fight. At the end of the war, there was a wave of emigration as Caymanians sought better opportunities in the United States and elsewhere.
By the 1930s, the Cayman Islands were hit by two disasters — the Great Depression and the 1932 hurricane, one of the worst to befall the islands. Then, the 1940s saw more men enlist again to fight in World War II.
Despite these tumultuous times, the mid-20th century saw great development on the islands. Skilled Caymanian sailors were increasingly employed and in 1953, the islands opened their first bank. On Grand Cayman, an airfield was established and George Town Hospital was opened. In 1959, women were granted the right to vote.
When Jamaica gained independence from Great Britain in 1962, the Cayman Islands were faced with a choice to either seek independence themselves, retain close ties with Jamaica, or remain a colony. The latter was chosen, and the Cayman Islands remain a self-governing British territory today.
By the 1970s and 80s, tourism took off on the islands, leading to its status as one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean today. If it’s your first time visiting the Cayman Islands, read our blog on the Top 10 Things to Do on Grand Cayman!
While reading about the history of the islands is informative, there’s no better way of experiencing it than by visiting its notable landmarks. Grand Cayman is home to a number of attractions that provide fascinating insight into the island’s history. Below are the ones you shouldn’t miss!
Originally built in the 1700s, Mission House is one of the oldest buildings in Grand Cayman and offers a glimpse into the lives lived here. It’s located in Bodden Town, the first capital of the Cayman Islands. While the original building was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan, the Mission House has been restored into a historic attraction that recreates the life of residents in the 1800s. The Mission House was once a home for missionaries, meaning it played an important role in the development of religion on the island. You can visit as part of a guided tour, or even join one of the monthly cooking classes held here for a taste of local culinary culture.
Located in the Old Courts Building in George Town, the Cayman Islands National Museum offers a closer encounter with history. Housing over 9,500 artifacts, ranging from traditional thatch baskets to a catboat and old maritime equipment, the museum brings the past to life. It has exhibitions not only on the cultural history of the islands but the natural history too. A particular highlight is the Old Gaol, believed to have been a part of George Town’s 18th-century fort system that served as a space for military supplies and armament.
Source: Cayman Islands National Museum
To learn more about the most prominent figures in the history of the Cayman Islands, make a stop at Heroes Square. Located at the center of George Town, this square provides an introduction to Cayman’s national heroes through a series of sculptures and statues. Some notable names include Leila Ross-Shier, who wrote the national song “Beloved Isles Cayman”, and Roy Edison McTaggart, considered a founding father of the nation. You’ll also see a statue of a traditional catboat, a memorial to mariners, and a sculpture honoring women’s empowerment.
As one of the defining moments in Grand Cayman history, the Wreck of Ten Sail is memorialized near the location of the wreck on the East End. It’s marked by a park and monument dedicated by Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Phillip in 1994, commemorating 200 years since the event. Coming here, you can imagine the sheer enormity of the wreck, the bravery of the rescuers, and its lasting legacy.
Pedro St. James has played multiple roles throughout Grand Cayman history. It was first built in 1780 by the Englishman William Eden, who used slave labor from Jamaica. Due to its size, Pedro St. James became an important meeting place. In 1831, a meeting was held here to form the first elected parliament, leading the estate to become known as the “Birthplace of Democracy in the Cayman Islands”. A few years later, it was also here that the abolishment of slavery was announced.
In subsequent years, Pedro St. James survived numerous natural disasters yet underwent periods of decay. Now a historic site, it has been restored by the government and is the oldest existing stone building on the Cayman Islands. It’s for these reasons that visiting here is one of our 10 Unique Experiences in the Cayman Islands!
For more interesting places to visit in the Cayman Islands, check out our blog on Hidden Gems in Grand Cayman for Returning Travelers.
In honor of the Cayman Islands’ maritime history, all three islands host the annual Pirates Week Festival. Since 1977, this festival has celebrated Caymanian heritage and culture with parades, music, storytelling, and family-friendly activities. One of the major highlights is the pirate’s invasion in George Town, where costumed pirates enter the harbor on a replica pirate ship!
The festivities take place every November, with both locals and tourists flocking to the streets to enjoy games and parties. This is an excellent time to learn more about Caymanian heritage, as each district celebrates their own unique traditions through arts, cuisine, and performances. During the Gimistory sessions, local storytellers bring Cayman’s past to life in thrilling tales. If you’re interested in Caribbean history, Pirates Week is unmissable!
So after all that, we bet you’re wondering about the history of Rum Point Club. We’ve been a Grand Cayman institution for decades, and we’re proud to have made our own mark in its story. It was right here at Rum Point Club that the famous Mudslide cocktail was created! In the 1980s, when guests arrived at the bar asking for a white Russian, the bartender had to improvise by substituting the cream with Bailey’s Irish cream — making one of the best cocktails you’ll ever taste.
If you want to sip on this piece of history, you can join us for a drink and a meal at our Rum Deck or Solis Restaurant. Should you want to make a booking for the restaurant, feel free to contact us directly. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Grand Cayman of today!