Turks and Caicos Islands

Turks and Caicos Islands

Accommodations
If you are planning a Turks & Caicos vacation, you should look into accommodations at the brand new Alexandra Resort & Spa.

History and Culture
"Turks" is derived from the indigenous Turk's Head "fez" cactus; "caicos" is a term of the Lucayan Indians, "cava hico," which means string of islands.

The islands were originally inhabited by Indian tribes, the Taínos and the Lucayans.

Legends differ regarding European discovery of the islands - Columbus is reputed to have discovered the tranquil treasure in 1492, while other stories credit Ponce de Leon with the find.

During the 17th century, the island relied upon agricultural exports from the rich cotton and sisal plantations (sisal yields a plant fiber used in making rope). After the hurricane of 1813, the island turned to solar salt - a popular type of sea salt produced through solar evaporation. Today, tourism - as well as lobster and conch exports - chiefly fuels the islands' economy.

The Turks & Caicos endured several peaceful shifts in power throughout the 1700s and 1800s. During the 1970s, the islands became a British Crown Colony.

History buffs can learn more about the islands' rich culture by checking out a variety of local attractions:

* Settlements of Bambarra and Lorimers - nearby are the Haulover plantation ruins and Sir

* Lorimer's grave (Middle Caicos)

* Conch Bar caves (Middle Caicos)

* Cheshire Hall, a 1790s plantation house constructed by British loyalists (Provo)

Accommodations
http://www.vacationownership.com/vacspecials/alex.html

Activities & Excursions
http://www.vacationownership.com/turks-and-caicos.html

Facts
http://www.vacationownership.com/turks-and-caicos-islands.html

Map
http://www.vacationownership.com/turks-caicos-map.html

Reservations
http://www.vacationownership.com/vacspecials/alex-form.html

Travel Information
http://www.vacationownership.com/turks-and-caicos-vacation.html

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