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local Wednesday 19 February 2025
Place names in San Nicolas and their origins

(Oranjestad)--If you’re ever taking
a tour of Aruba, San Nicolas would San Nicolas
definitely be on your itinerary. Of course we can’t forget San
From relaxing on the white, san- Nicolas itself. Much like Vader Piet,
dy beaches of Baby and Roger’s the origin of the name San Nicolas
Beach, to exploring the prehistoric has so far two different accounts.
caves of Quadirikiri and Fontein, In the literal sense, “San Nicolas”
you are taking in a full view of what translates to “Saint Nicolas”, lead-
San Nicolas has to offer. But did ing many to believe that this district
you know that you are also passing was named after a Spanish saint.
through areas whose names have Though one account does support
historical origins? Here are a few this with the theory that the district
place names in San Nicolas and was named after the saint by Span-
their origin story. ish colonizers, the other account is
much less divine, but does refer to
Sero Colorado an influential figure in the area.
On your way to Baby or Roger’s
Beach, you’ll pass by the famous phosphate mining. In 1958, the re- pened. Nicolaas van der Biest was a suc-
Red Anchor at what was once the finery at the time, Lago, adopted cessful landowner during the time
entrance to the Colony residential this name for the residential section In 1829, Pieter Lampe was a plant- of the phosphate boom in late
community and be greeted with of its employees. er and the person responsible for 19th century Aruba. Back then,
red soiled hills by the coast. This is governing this remote area. As the landowners (most, if not all of
Sero Colorado. Named after the Vader Piet story goes, Pieter was well known them men) were referred to as
30-meter, deep red, limestone hill, Another well visited area, Vader and beloved for his kindness and “Shon” by their subordinates. So,
“Sero Colorado” translates to “Col- Piet is located in the Arikok Na- good treatment of his employees, the district was originally named
ored Hill”. Sero Colorado has deep tional Park. Recognizable sites and was therefore also called Va- after Shon Nicolaas. Over time, the
historical ties with the once-thriving within this area includes the Wind der Piet (Father Piet). However, he name evolved into what is now
phosphate industry in the area. Mills and the Quadirikiri Cave. The was tragically murdered—some San Nicolas.q
Matter of fact, there are still under- origin of this name is part historical speculate at the hands of a slave.
ground shafts and passages deep and speculation, as there are slight For his work and good heart, the Source: “Aruba: Short History” by
in Sero Colorado from the time of deviations from what actually hap- area was named after him. Dr. J. Hartog.

Visit the natural bridges of Aruba!

(Oranjestad)—After you’ve visited an at the time. For many years, this
the Alto Vista Church, the Bushiri- site was also a frequently visited
bana Gold Mill Ruins and the mini beach, as the bridge had a small
natural pool that is located right opening through which the water
next to it, you’re next up around would flow into the tiny beach.
the northern coast line must be the
Natural Bridge. Once the largest Unfortunately in 2005, the bridge
natural bridge in the Caribbean, collapsed, and the little beach
this bridge has been a tourist at- dried up. Despite this, this site re-
traction for many years. mained a tourist attraction, with
many visitors walking along the
The bridge was formed during thou- coral cliffs of the bridge to see the
sands of years, cut and crafted by spectacular view of the northern
the wild waves that crash into the coastline and the Caribbean Sea.
coral stone walls of the coast. Be- Visitors can also still visit the souve-
fore its collapse, this bridge mea- nir shop on the left of the bridge
sured 30 meters in length and 7 entrance.
meters in height, making it the big- is functional, there is now a small- bridge is often called the “Baby
gest natural bridge in the Caribbe- While the natural bridge no longer er natural bridge very close. This Bridge” or “Daughter Bridge”. q