Sun, Jul 17, 2016, 6:30 AM: Hike to Estate Clairmont

General info for all hikes and walks: Hikes and walks are $5 for members, and $10 for non-members (become a member). Unless otherwise noted, the pace for hikes is moderate, lasting 3-5 hours, covering 3-5 miles, the terrain is hilly, footing is sometimes uneven, and we follow trails and possibly paved or dirt roads. Walks are easier and shorter than hikes, and usually follow paved or dirt roads, no trails. The guide may periodically stop and talk along the way. Bring sturdy, comfortable walking or hiking shoes, water, snack, bug spray, rain poncho, and camera. Shorts or long pants are OK. For day hikes, bring a hat and sun block. For night hikes, bring a small flashlight. There are usually about 20 people. We depart about 30 minutes after the posted start time. For some hikes, we will meet at the indicated location, then drive a short distance to the hike location.

Specific info for this hike: This hike is a memorial for David Hamada. Meet at 6:30 AM outside the entrance to Salt River Marina. This hike to Estate Clairmont and back is 5 miles total, the terrain is hilly and strenuous at times, and it offers nice views. We will be walking the road from the Salt River Marina to the hill that takes you to Scenic East, we will walk up the hill, then come around and back down to the marina. The hike leader will be Ivan Butcher II.

Area info: As we begin near sea level at Salt River, we will walk along the edge of a mangrove swamp, we will then go uphill. Near the top at approximately 850 feet we will cross over the ridge just north of Mount Windsor. We will encounter the ruins of a windmill, animal mill, cistern and factory ruins of Estate Clairmont. Earliest records indicate that in 1751 Nicholas Tuite purchased a large parcel of Northside B, which would later become Estates Clairmont, Concordia, Rust Op Twist, and Bonne Esperance.

In 1797 it was acquired by Charles Chabert who apparently changes the name to the French "Clairmont". In 1805 the inventory of the estate describes: 500 acres - 200 in cultivation and 300 in woods, a boiling house, curing house, still house, stone windmill, an animal mill, and a large water cistern. There were also animal pens, a dwelling house with kitchen, a sick house and 40 negro houses. There were a total of 111 slaves.

In 1816 there were 180 acres in cane, and 304 acres in other cultivation, and by 1847 there was no cane in cultivation and only 85 slaves.

In 1854 GJ Mudie buys Clairmont and Windsor forest for $6000., but in 1878 it was confiscated by the Colonial government for payment of debts. It was purchased by the West Indian Sugar Factory in 1912. It was purchased by Douglas Armstrong in 1931, deeded to E Colin Lindsey in 1979 and in 1980 the land was gifted to St Croix Landmark Society.

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