Gull Island

Gull Island is a small, uninhabited island located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a part of the United States Virgin Islands and is privately owned. The island is known for its seagulls, which are a common sight in the Gull Island National Wildlife Refuge. Historically, Gull Island was used as a plantation with crops being grown by enslaved Africans.

History

Gull Island is a privately owned island located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the United States Virgin Islands and has been used for plantation farming since its establishment in the 18th century. Historically, Gull Island was known as a slave plantation with enslaved Africans working on the plantations, growing crops such as cotton and tobacco.

inaccessible, so it’s not well-known among tourists. The best way to see Gull Island is by boat from St Thomas or Tortola (or if you’re feeling adventurous – by foot). Regardless of which route you choose, the main thing to remember is that you’ll need to bring plenty of water.

On Gull Island are some natural scenic elements such as colorful mangroves and wild tropical beaches covered in shells. As for historical artifacts, there’s a 17th-century church ruin containing rafters and supports from its mid-19th century replacement on St Thomas along with an original bell tower built by American trader Jesse Kinsman (architect David Walker designed it).

Also noteworthy is the old plantation office building constructed by Joseph Samuelson using Caribbean hardwoods; he completed the project in 1834, which is now a private residence.

Climate

The climate on Gull Island is tropical and moderate. The average temperature ranges from 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to 61 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. Gull Island receives about 15 inches of rain for almost two months every year. The average annual rainfall is about 73.7 inches making for a strong and lush tropical rain forest. 

The average annual maximum summer rainfall is about 101.6 inches, occurring from mid-March to early October and the weather averages around 90 degrees most of the year. Gull Island has fairly stable temperatures throughout the year with its coolest month being January at 59 °F (13 °C) and its hottest October at 94° F (34 ˚C).

The island was said to be very damp in a report by Sir Alexander Maconochie describing his journey up St John’s River en route to Red Creek Plantation. In particular he noted “some fine trees growing here on this island so that it is called Gull Island. The only spot of ground not covered with water in this river appeared to be enough for cultivation and a number of mango trees were growing here, also nuts and corn.”

Culture

Older residents still speak the Carolina Gullah language, even though its use has declined markedly in recent decades. There is a small population of feral pigs on the island that some residents keep as pets or to provide food for their birds. Emergencies and security were two of the most complicated issues Gull Island faces. 

The island has older infrastructure and lacks a formal medical/pharmacy service, making it difficult to access because private transportation is limited or nonexistent. Furthermore mobile phones are non-existent on the island with all calls typically made by satellite phone (3G).

Kathy Ericksen in her articles “Tradition” argues that while many West Indian islands have experienced an economic shift away from seafaring traditions, Gull Island remains anchored in its heritage dating from when first settled as part of St John’s River culture through to today with customs and traditions often touching upon themes of migration, slavery, fishing and cultivating crops.

In the past Gull Island tended to attract many transient workers due to its proximity to coastal shipping routes, seasonal opportunities for agriculture or jobs as dockworkers in Jacksonville’s naval base (Jacksonville Naval Air Station).

Politics

The 2010 United States Census reported that Gull Island had a population of 86. The population density was 9.7 people per square mile (3.7/km²). The racial makeup of Gull Island was 73 (77%) White, 2 (2%) African American, 3 (3%) Native American, 0 Asian, 1 Pacific Islander, and 10 persons (11% Hispanic or Latino).

The median age was 56 years old. For every 100 females there were 87 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84 males .

The median income for a household in the island was $6,542 (U.S.) and the mean per capita income was $2,030 U.S.[3] In 2000 , eleven people were unemployed by their own report; 1 person is on disability insurance.

Government services

Gull Island is part of the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area and is served by a single Police Department.

Gull Island has its own post office located at Highway 6 (Main Street) in the center of town. Schools In Gull Island are serviced by School District #17. 

Gull Island St Thomas Cathedral (formerly Gifford’s and Saint John’s) is the Church of England parish church for part of the island. It was originally built in 1675 as a burial site for Europeans but about twenty years later, it came to be used more widely as a place where Protestants were able to worship freely without fear of persecution.

Conclusion

Gull Island is a small island located in the Saint Lawrence River, in Canada. It is also the site of an abandoned logging town that was once home to over 1,000 people. The town was abandoned in the early 1980s after the local paper mill closed down and the people who worked there were left unemployed.

The town was abandoned due to a number of factors, including the fact that it was too far from any other settlements, the harsh weather conditions, and the lack of jobs. Today, Gull Island is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful scenery and abandoned buildings.

FAQs

1.What is the Population of Gull Island?

Ans. The population of Gull Island was 1,014 as of 2000. [3]

2.How Many People Live on Gull Island Today?

Ans. As of 2016 , there are 84 people living on the island.[4]

3.What Was the Population of Gull Island Before It Was Abandoned?

Ans. The population of Gull Island as of 1984 was 1,098.[2]

4.What Happened to the People Who Lived on Gull Island?

Ans. Most of the people who lived on Gull Island left in the early 1980s when their paper mill closed down and there was no other jobs available. A few families stayed behind until 1993, when they also left because of economic conditions. Today, only a few retired residents still live on the island.

5.How Long Has Gull Island Been Abandoned?

Ans. The town on Gull Island was abandoned in the early 1980s. It first became a popular tourist destination in 2004.