Little Harbour Foundry | Abaco Islands

Information

Landmark: Little Harbour Foundry
City: Abaco Islands
Country: Bahamas
Continent: North America

Little Harbour Foundry, Abaco Islands, Bahamas, North America

The Little Harbour Foundry is a historical industrial site located on Great Abaco Island in the Abaco Islands, Bahamas. It is recognized for its role in early Bahamian industry and its unique artistic output.

Visual Characteristics

The primary structure is a stone building with a corrugated metal roof. The exterior walls are constructed from local limestone. The building's dimensions are approximately 15 meters long by 8 meters wide, with a single story. Inside, remnants of industrial equipment, including a furnace and casting molds, are visible. The surrounding area features sandy soil and sparse, low-lying vegetation typical of coastal Bahamian environments.

Location & Access Logistics

The Little Harbour Foundry is situated on the eastern side of Great Abaco Island, approximately 25 kilometers south of Marsh Harbour. Access is primarily via boat, as there are no direct road connections. Visitors typically arrive by private vessel or charter boat, docking at a small, informal jetty adjacent to the site. There is no public transportation to the foundry. Parking is not available on-site; boat mooring is the only access method.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The foundry was established in 1951 by artist and sculptor Randolph Johnson. Its original purpose was to cast bronze sculptures, utilizing locally sourced materials and techniques adapted for the island's resources. The site is situated on a coastal plain, an ecological zone characterized by limestone bedrock and saline-tolerant flora.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the original casting furnace and associated industrial equipment. The site also features a collection of bronze sculptures created by Randolph Johnson, displayed in situ. Exploration of the immediate surrounding coastline is possible.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no restroom facilities or designated shade structures at the Little Harbour Foundry. Cell phone signal is intermittent and unreliable. No food vendors are present on-site; visitors should bring their own provisions.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for viewing the sculptures and the site's details is between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when direct sunlight provides clear illumination. The dry season, from December to May, offers the most favorable weather conditions with minimal rainfall and lower humidity.

Facts & Legends

Randolph Johnson, the founder, was known for casting his sculptures using sand molds made from the local beach sand, a technique that imparted a distinctive texture to his bronze works. A local anecdote suggests that the foundry's initial furnace was fueled by driftwood collected from the surrounding shores.