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Burrell Steam Traction Engine

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Help preserve the history of the islands.

The Iron Giant of Yankeetown

The most impressive single artifact at the lonely Yankeetown settlement on West Caicos is the enormous steam engine on wheels.

Abandoned But Not Forgotten

Seeing if for the first time one can only wonder: Where did it come from? What was it for? How did it get here?  How long has it been abandoned?

Burrell Steam Traction Engine on West Caicos

Burrell Steam Traction Engine on West Caicos

West Caicos has been uninhabited for most of the last two centuries. The modern history of the island is a series of failed enterprises starting with commercial salt raking in the 1850s, followed by a scheme a half century later to plant hundreds of acres of agave, the plant that produces sisal fiber. Twentieth century schemes were similarly doomed.

The Colonial Annual Report of 1920 alluded to the West Caicos Fibre Company noting: “it passed out of existence in 1916…. Fine buildings, erected a great cost, had been demolished … and today there is the pitiable spectacle of roofless buildings and valuable machinery, gone to ruin…”

Clearly the steam engine was connected to this enterprise, but what is the history behind this wonderful machine? It remained a puzzle until 2001.

Identifying the Steam Engine and Its History

During 2000 John Saunders, a keen amateur traction engine enthusiast visited West Caicos just to view the engine. He returned in April 2001 and presented the Museum with a replica engine plate as well as copies of the relevant material for this steam engine supplied by Dave Roberts, Chairman of the Charles Burrell Museum in Thetford. The documents record that it was completed on November 16, 1904 with engine number 2712. It was produced for Pita Ltd, London (another name for Sisal was Pita) and was to be shipped to India, but this was amended to West India [sic]. We can assume that is an error and should have been the West Indies.

Page from the Burrell Steam Traction Engine "birth certificate".

Page from the Burrell Steam Traction Engine “birth certificate.” Note the insertion of ‘West’ in the notation in the third line ‘Shipped to India.’  Maybe it came to West Caicos instead of India because it was destined to be saved by a great many people who care about its fate and so ended up right where it was supposed to be.

Learning it was a Burrell Steam Traction Engine was a huge step forward. But doing anything more with the engine or that information languished until 2012 when Dr. Donald Keith, Chairman of the Museum Board of Directors, received an email from another steam enthusiast. Graeme Glynn saw an image of the engine on the Museum’s website and his first message reignited our interest:

“From the looks of the photo I will say it is most definitely a Burrell road locomotive, quite possibly a 6-7 NHP class engine. She is a single drive to the rear axle. Burrell primarily built 3 shaft engines. Being a double crank compound engine she was quite a powerful, yet economic engine. As she is a road locomotive she is fitted with ‘belly tanks’ these were extra storage tanks under the boiler.

A view of the 3-shaft engine.

A view of the 3-shaft engine.

Charles Burrell & Co were based in Norfolk, Thetford England. They are probably best known for their Showman’s class engine – which were arguably the finest steam engine ever produced. Just how an engine like this ended up on West Caicos Island is a mystery! There were so many American- and Canadian-built engines that there was never any need to send for European steam engines. As the Turks and Caicos were a British dependency, that may explain the Burrell engine being there. Britain exported a lot to her colonies in the late 1800’s early 1900’s. Some of these engines are still to be found in Argentina, Patagonia and Australia. Parts of Africa and India are known to have some remaining engines also.”

If it was imported by the West Caicos Fibre Company in late 1904 or early 1905, that makes the engine over 110 years old!

Saving the Burrell Steam Traction Engine – The First Steps

Over the next couple of years Graeme Glynn and Donald Keith corresponded scores of times about what should and could be done to preserve the Burrell Steam Traction Engine. Fortunately, in November 2013 Eric Christensen, then CEO of the development company that is revitalizing the Molasses Reef Resort on West Caicos, was a sympathetic ear. That contact resulted in meetings and dialog between representatives of the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs, Apex Development, the National Museum, and steam tractor enthusiasts. Graeme explained that there is a large and active community of “steam buffs” who research, collect, and restore machines like these to working condition and operate them regularly at special events.

A restored Burrell steam traction engine very similar to the Yankeetown example is displayed in the Strumpshaw Hall Steam Museum. This one is No. 2366, known as Buller, was built in 1901.

A restored Burrell steam traction engine very similar to the Yankeetown example is displayed in the Strumpshaw Hall Steam Museum. This one is No. 2366, known as Buller, was built in 1901.

We began to wonder if the Burrell on West Caicos could be restored.

In March 2015 Graeme came to the islands and with the help of Mark Parrish at Big Blue and Stan Hartling, a Museum Board Member, visited the engine. After a careful inspection, and lots of photographs, Graeme urged that it be put indoors and as a first step covered in used motor oil to prevent further oxidation.  That first step was taken in late April when a team of die-hard enthusiasts tackled the dirty and oily job of doing some first aid on the engine (see The Burrell Engine Gets First Aid).

The Burrell after getting an "oil job." Photo by Mark Parrish

The Burrell after getting an “oil job.” Photo by Mark Parrish

Rescuing the Yankeetown steam engine now seems possible, but there are a number of thorny logistical problems to work out first.  Getting it “indoors,” the next most important step, means moving it from West Caicos to Provo. It’s not an insurmountable problem, just a big and heavy one!

But what then? We could simply store it out of the weather and try to arrest further deterioration, or we could give it a “cosmetic” restoration–or we could rebuild it so that it actually runs!

A few years ago the questions would have been where on Provo could that kind of work take place, who would find the necessary expertise and oversee it, where would the Iron Giant reside, and who would maintain it going forward so that people could see and appreciate it? Now that the Museum has property and facilities on Provo, the logical answer to all those questions is: the National Museum in the Village at Grace Bay.

Too big a challenge? Too uncertain an outcome? Too big an expense? Perhaps, but in the words of Consul John Newport, penned 151 years ago in reference to another ambitious West Caicos project: “. . . some day, not far distant, the labor there used will produce results commensurate with the largeness of the undertaking and worthy of the courage and skill, and energy displayed by the conceiver and principal conductor of the enterprise in question.”

We are up for the challenge, but will need the help of many willing volunteers and the support of enthusiasts far and wide to make it happen. If you are willing to pitch in contact us for more information.

You can also support the restoration of the Burrell through a directed donation in any amount. If you are a US taxpayer, your donation is tax deductible. Click on the donate button to help save the Iron Giant of Yankeetown:




Projects

  • Burrell Steam Traction Engine
  • Fort St. George
  • Slave Ship Trouvadore
  • Governor’s Cannon
  • Maravedi Cove
  • Molasses Reef Shipwreck
  • Sapodilla Hill
  • Southwest Harbor Bluff
  • Turks Islands Gates
  • Windmills
  • Occasional Papers Series

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The Museum is a publicly funded not for profit organization.

It is not a part of the TCI Government and receives no regular support from the Government. Only your Membership & Support makes it all possible. Become a member today — we can’t do it without your help.

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Click here to view a timeline of important events and dates in the history of the islands

The Colors of the Turks and Caicos Islands

RED was chosen to represent the nation’s capital, Grand Turk. The color is taken from the red/pink fruit found on the national plant, the Turks Head Cactus. They were once found in abundance on Grand Turk before they were removed to accommodate the salt ponds.

WHITE was chosen to represent Salt Cay. The color came from salt. The salt industry was largely responsible for populating the islands of Salt Cay, Grand Turk and South Caicos.

ORANGE was chosen to represent South and East Caicos. The color comes from the Spiny Lobster and fish and reflects the fishing industry in the “Big South.”

TAN was chosen to represent Middle Caicos. The color is taken from the raw material (thatch) that once covered the roofs of the houses. It is also used to make straw hats, baskets and brooms. Middle Caicos is known for the superior quality of native craftwork.

GREEN was chosen to represent North Caicos and Parrot Cay. The color is taken from the fruit trees and other types of trees that flourish in the most fertile of all the islands. North Caicos is also home of Wade’s Green Plantation, the most successful of Caicos Islands cotton plantations.

TURQUOISE was chosen to represent the islands of Providenciales, Pine Cay and West Caicos. The color is taken from the beautiful turquoise waters that surround these islands on which our famous Caicos fishing sloops sail. These turquoise waters also contribute to our newest industry, tourism.

PINK was chosen to represent the beautiful conch shell, flamingoes and the numerous uninhabited cays that make up our chain of islands.

YELLOW represents God’s glory as the sun shining down on all our beautiful islands and cays. The sun also contributes to our newest industry, tourism.

View a timeline of important events and dates in the history of the islands

View Timeline

A Few Artifacts You’ll See at the Museum

Our collections represent the rich historical, cultural and natural heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands and its people.

Lucayan Duho

Photo courtesy of Joanna Ostapkowicz. The Duho is one of the rarest artifacts in the museum’s collections. It was used a ceremonial seat for the cacique or chief of the Lucayans, the first inhabitants of these islands.

Fresnel Lens

The Grand Turk Lighthouse was erected in 1852 and was originally designed to burn whale oil and had an Argand reflector lamp. In 1943 the lighthouse was converted to a Fresnel Lens one of these lenses is now on display at the Museum.

Swivel Gun

The Molasses reef wreck, an early Spanish Caravel was equipped with three types of breech-loading swivel guns, one type is shown above. The swivel guns are thought to be anti-personnel weapons placed wherever convenient along the ship’s rail.

Salt Industry Post Card

The museum has diverse collection of early postcards of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Most post cards depict scenes on Grand Turk, the capital and from the salt industry.

Take a Look

Governor of the Turks & Caicos Islands

Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam

Nestled in the heart of Grand Turk, the Turks and Caicos Islands National Museum stands as a guardian of the rich history of the Turks and Caicos Islands and its vibrant culture. Housed in the historic "Guinep Lodge," a 200-year-old architectural gem, the museum invites all to embark on a journey through time, exploring the deep and diverse heritage of our nation.

From the ancient era of pre-Columbian civilization to modern-day milestones, the museum’s curated collection offers significant insight into the stories, traditions and legacies that have shaped the Turks and Caicos Islands. With admirable dedication, the museum serves as a custodian of these narratives, preserving invaluable artefacts that chronicle the experiences and contributions of its ancestors. Through its exhibits, the past comes alive, providing a unique cultural tapestry of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Beyond its role as a preserver of history, the museum is a vital hub of education and community engagement inspiring pride in our historical roots. The museum is more than a keeper of the past; it is an active participant in shaping the future of our islands. I encourage residents and visitors to experience the Turks and Caicos Islands National Museum.

Your support not only helps safeguard the heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands but enriches collective understanding of the extraordinary journey that has shaped these beautiful by nature islands.

Minister for Tourism, Envrionment, Heritage & Culture, Maritime, and Gaming

Hon. Josephine Connolly

"It is a pleasure as Minister with responsibility of Heritage to welcome you to the Turks and Caicos Islands National Museum website. This Gem of an operation is perhaps the most notable establishment in regards to sites of historical interest. Since its establishment in 1991 it has always been an intricate part of our tourism product.

As a supporter, I believe the National Museum’s success depends on all resident and visitors; and as Minister I am committed to strengthening our tourism product through the infusion of authenticity and the increase in awareness of the National Museum in the development of heritage assets for sustainable tourism development.

Visit and explore the Grand Turk and Providenciales locations and experience our heritage and culture through interactive displays and exhibits. Special thanks is extended to the National Museum, a tangible product, a repository for artefacts and documents, providing a true island experience.".

Hon. Josephine Connolly
Minister for Tourism, Envrionment, Heritage & Culture, Maritime, and Gaming

Former President of Turks and Caicos Islands Community College

Dr. Hubert A. Fulford

"My interest in history and research goes back to my years as a student at the then Grand Turk Secondary School, where my teacher and later mentor, the late Helena Jones Robinson instilled a curiosity in me to appreciate context.  At that time, not fully appreciating the impact that curiosity would have on me, I sought only to please my teacher.

Pursuing tertiary education at various institutions, in various countries and at various levels, my initial foundation of inquiry was further stimulated.  Libraries and museums would form a very important part of my education, specifically during my studies in Jamaica, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Returning home after my studies abroad, my first visit to the Museum so captivated me that I began to tell all persons, visitors and islanders alike, that a visit to the museum was a MUST! The quaintness, yet thorough organization and presentation of artifacts of various kinds avowed me.

I found tremendous joy in taking my TCI Studies students to the Museum, standing back and listening to their expressions of excitement and curiosity as the curators and assistants would walk them through the various displays and presentations.

The Jamaican expression “likkle but tallawah” (small but strong) aptly fits our Museum.  The significance of this institution to our history and culture cannot be over stressed.

Welcome to The Museum.  A combination of history, culture and enchantment awaits you."

Dr. Hubert A. Fulford

Former President of Turks and Caicos Islands Community College

Historic Photo Gallery of the Turks and Caicos Islands

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Locations

Guinep House, Front Street

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies (BWI)
Tel (01 649) 247-2160
From the US (786) 220-1159
Hours Vary - See our schedule under Locations

The Village at Grace Bay

Development Office and Caicos Heritage House
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies (BWI)
Tel (01 649) 247-2160
Grace Bay Hours: See Hours For This Location

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