p. 9 | The Isle of Pines

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 4, 1903

The Isle of Pines

The Isle of Pines is in a questionable position. It is claimed by the Cubans, but was not specifically given over by the United States when Cuban independence was conceded. It was understood that the island would be a subject of future adjustment. But it is an interesting little spot, containing 3,200 people, two-thirds of whom are white. According to Public Opinion, most of these people came from Spain by way of Cuba. At one time the island was known as the Isle of Pirates, because it was once the rendezvous of political offenders who were sent there for banishment, and for criminals in servitude. It is, however, no longer a piratical resort or penal colony, but is quite a comfortable home for those who have been born in it, and a delightful hospice for those who may be traveling that way. It is pointed out that one-third of the population of the Isle of Pines live in the village of Nueva Gerona. Another third live in the village of Santa Fe, twelve miles away. The remaining portion of the population are scattered through the habitable parts of the island which, without cienaga (swamp), have an area of but little less than that of Rhode Island. So, outside of the villages, there is an average of but one person to the square mile, or one family to every five square miles.