Page 15 - AHATA

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local Thursday 27 February 2025
How Aruban beaches came to be!

also contribute to this, one
small bite at a time. Over
the course of thousands
of years, as waves contin-
ue to crash and fish con-
tinue to eat off the corals,
sand starts to accumulate
around the area. Howev-
er, whether the sand stays
there is another question
to be answered, and this is
where we highlight the big-
gest difference between floors—has sand that island. The island actu-
the northern and southern stretches for miles. In con- ally forms part of South
coast of the island. trast, the northern area, America, and the space
(Oranjestad)—We’ve talk- How did Aruba get its where the stream is much between Aruba and the
ed about the best beaches white, sandy beaches? The sand that accumulates stronger and the ocean South American continent
to visit on the island before, Aruba’s beaches have de- around a torn coral reef floor is much deeper, there is simply referred to as land
but have you ever won- veloped over the span of is swept away along with is no sand present—they that runs under the ocean.
dered how Aruba got its thousands of years. Waves the debris by the ocean were swept away with the This is why it gets gradu-
white, sandy beaches, and crashing on the rocky for- stream. However, in areas current! ally deeper in the south,
why there’s a clear differ- mations along our coast where it’s shallow and the whereas the ocean floor in
ence between the northern line (which consists mainly stream is weaker, the sand Why north deep, but south the north runs steeply to the
and southern shores? Here of coral reefs) have start- tends to sick to the bot- shallow? bottom.
are some fun facts about ed to wear and tear the tom faster. This is why the Ah! Good question…and
the development of Aru- reefs over time, resulting beaches in the south—the interesting phrasing. Source: archival document
ban beaches. in its gradual breakdown. areas with weaker stream provided by the National Ar-
Fish that feed off corals and shallower ocean Aruba is a continental chive of Aruba (ANA).

The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and its history

(Oranjestad)—The Bushiri-
bana Gold Mill Ruins is one
of the most visited places
by tourists on the island,
as it lies along the north-
ern coast line near the mini
pool and on the way to the
Natural Bridge. Despite its
seemingly plain appear-
ance, this ruin represents
one of the most important
histories of the island: The
Aruban Gold Rush.

Built in 1872 by English com-
pany Aruba Island Gold India Company. Under the literally struck gold, and and carve out gold from
Mining Company Ltd, the leadership of Mr. Paulus It wasn’t until 100 years lat- as word got out, a gold the rocks. Aruba Island
gold mill at Bushiribana Printz, a three-year search er, in 1824, when a young fever spread among the Gold Mining Company Ltd.
was constructed in the was conducted on Aruba, boy found a lump of gold locals who started search- was no different, but used
area where most gold was to no avail. Though they while out herding his fa- ing for more gold. About 25 a unique method that in-
found by locals. The story found some gold, it was ther’s sheep. His father took pounds worth was found. volved grinding the rocks
of gold on Aruba actually enough to motivate a fur- it to a local merchant who and letting the dust be
dates back to 1725, when ther search, and the assign- then sold the lump for $70. At the same time, the Aru- blown away by the strong
a first exploration for gold ment was discontinued by Unbeknownst to the boy ban government took im- northeast wind, leaving
on the island was commis- Printz himself. and his father, they quite mediate actions, and in- clumps of gold behind. The
sioned by the Dutch West formed Curacao that gold next step was melting the
was found. At first, every- gold and letting it attach
one could look for gold, to quicksilver in order to
as long as they sold it to obtain pure gold. All these
the government. However, processes were done at
after some time, the gov- the Bushiribana Gold Mill.
ernment decided to im-
plement stricter rules and The gold mill itself had a
banned local search par- short life-span: only 10 years
ties. in service, but its structure
remained relatively solid till
Over the years, concession- this day, and is now a his-
holding had seen different torical remnant.
companies from around
the world, all of which used Sources: Etnia Nativa & gold-
primitive methods to dig mineranch.com.