Matthew Town — Secret of the Salt

Your adventure begins in front of the Old Administration Building in Matthew Town, a colonial edifice that was once the heart of British governance on Great Inagua Island. Here, decisions that shaped the salt trade and the lives of its inhabitants were made. As Leslie, you'll discover the first clues that will immerse you in the history of this vital industry. It's the ideal starting point to explore Matthew Town's heritage and understand the challenges that have spanned centuries on Inagua Island.

Continue your journey to the Great Inagua Lighthouse, a landmark offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the salt flats. This historic lighthouse, accessible on foot from downtown Matthew Town, has guided countless ships carrying Inagua's precious salt across the Caribbean. It represents a major beacon in maritime navigation and trade, and its history is intrinsically linked to the region's economy. Here, you'll decipher the light signals of the past to advance your quest for the « Secret of the Salt ».

The route then leads you to the Morton Salt Company Salt Ponds, active industrial facilities where salt crystallizes under the Caribbean sun. These ponds, near Matthew Town, are the scene of a fascinating industrial spectacle. Vince, a local guide, organizes tours here and will warn you against the prohibition of glass, as its shards are impossible to distinguish from salt crystals and pose a risk of contamination. It is in this modern production site that you will understand the scale of Inagua's salt exploitation and the contemporary challenges of this industry, key elements of your investigation into the island's heritage.

Your exploration of Matthew Town's heritage takes you to Matthew Town Port, the island's historic commercial port. This is still where regional trade boats arrive today, and where an informal market offers fresh produce from Haiti. This port was once the nerve center for Inagua's salt exports and the epicenter of Caribbean trade. Here, you'll discover traces of merchant ships and stories of sailors who made Great Inagua wealthy, crucial elements for unraveling the threads of the « Secret of the Salt ».

To conclude your immersion in Matthew Town's history, visit The Salt House, a former warehouse converted into a historical attraction and local museum. This heritage building, dating back to the beginnings of salt exploitation, is a silent witness to Inagua's economy. Finally, the Inagua National Park, accessible via roads crossing the Morton Salt facilities, will reveal the importance of conserving Great Inagua's endemic iguanas. This outdoor escape game Bahamas will have offered you an interactive visit and a unique thematic circuit to understand Inagua's heritage and history, from Inagua's monuments to its role in the Caribbean salt trade.