Cockburn Harbour

Turks and Caicos Islands

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Article History

Cockburn Harbour, port on South Caicos Island, part of the British overseas territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands, in the West Indies north of Hispaniola. Historic buildings, including the old Wesleyan Church, are located in the southeastern part of the town. The settlement dates from 1850, when salt ponds were developed; Cockburn Harbour was long the island’s major exporter of salt, but salt production there became increasingly unprofitable and ceased altogether in the 1960s. Spiny lobster and conch are processed for export. The South Caicos Regatta, a celebration including boat races and musical performances, is held each year in May. Pop. (2001) 546.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Lorraine Murray.