Windwardside is the second largest town on the Dutch Caribbean island of Saba, aptly named for being on the windward side of the island.

History

The first permanent European settlements on Saba began in the 1640s. By the 1860s, Windwardside was one of 7 main districts on the island, with The Bottom, St. John's, Booby Hill, Hell's Gate, Mary's Point (Palmetto Point), and Middle Island. In 1865, the population of Windwardside was 573 inhabitants.

Geography

Most of Windwardside is located in a saddle between a dormant volcano (Mount Scenery) and a hill (Booby Hill). The saddle's elevation is about 1,400 ft (427 m) above sea level. The Mas Cojones Hill is also a scenic tourist destination that looks out over Windwardside.

Tourism

Windwardside has several hotels and inns which serve mostly tourists who come to the island to dive and enjoy Saba's nature. The museum is located inside an authentic 19th-century Saban cottage, with few changes having been made to the original cottage. Inside, visitors can view 19th and early 20th-century furniture, linens, china, nautical instruments, and a 100-year old organ harmonium. begins in Windwardside. The trailhead is located on the road just outside Windwardside, across from the Trail Shop. The trail is a strenuous out-and-back trail, which goes up to Mt. Scenery's summit and back, and takes about 90 minutes each way.

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File:Windwardside.jpg|Windwardside, with Mount Scenery in the background

File:House Windwardside Saba.JPG|Cottage in Windwardside

File:Narrow Streets of Windwardside.jpg|Side street in Windwardside

File:Sabaisland.jpg|Harry L. Johnson Museum

File:Saba Tourist Bureau with Mount Scenery Peak in Backdrop.jpg|Saba Tourism Bureau, with Mount Scenery in the background

File:St. Paul's Cemetery (6550027741).jpg|St. Paul's Cemetery

File:St. Paul's Conversion Church, Windwardside, 1860 (6550026663).jpg|St. Paul's Church

File:Playground on Saba.jpg|Playground in Windwardside

File:Red Roofs of Windwardside (6550041659).jpg|Cottages in Windwardside

File:WindwardsideRue.jpg|The Road going through Windwardside, past a grocery store

File:Blick auf Windwardside.jpg|Windwardside, with Old Booby Hill in the background

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References

  • Harry L Johnson Museum website
  • Saba Tourism: Saban Villages