Page 14 - AHATA

Friday 28 November 2025 locAl
A10

The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and its history

gold, as long as they sold it to
the government. However,
after some time, the govern-
ment decided to implement
stricter rules and banned lo-
cal search parties.

Over the years, concession-
holding had seen different
companies from around
the world, all of which used
primitive methods to dig
and carve out gold from
the rocks. Aruba Island Gold
Mining Company Ltd. was no
(Oranjestad)—The Bushiri- to 1725, when a first explo- different, but used a unique
bana Gold Mill Ruins is one ration for gold on the island method that involved grind-
of the most visited places by was commissioned by the ing the rocks and letting the
tourists on the island, as it lies Dutch West India Company. dust be blown away by the
along the northern coast Under the leadership of Mr. strong northeast wind, leav-
line near the mini pool and Paulus Printz, a three-year ing clumps of gold behind.
on the way to the Natural search was conducted on The next step was melting
Bridge. Despite its seemingly Aruba, to no avail. Though the gold and letting it at-
plain appearance, this ruin they found some gold, it was tach to quicksilver in order
represents one of the most enough to motivate a further to obtain pure gold. All these
important histories of the is- search, and the assignment processes were done at the
land: The Aruban Gold Rush. was discontinued by Printz Bushiribana Gold Mill.
himself.
Built in 1872 by English com- The gold mill itself had a short
pany Aruba Island Gold Min- It wasn’t until 100 years lat- Unbeknownst to the boy worth was found. life-span: only 10 years in
ing Company Ltd, the gold er, in 1824, when a young and his father, they quite service, but its structure re-
mill at Bushiribana was con- boy found a lump of gold literally struck gold, and as At the same time, the Aruban mained relatively solid till this
structed in the area where while out herding his fa- word got out, a gold fever government took immediate day, and is now a historical
most gold was found by ther’s sheep. His father took spread among the locals actions, and informed Cura- remnant.q
locals. The story of gold on it to a local merchant who who started searching for cao that gold was found. At
Aruba actually dates back then sold the lump for $70. more gold. About 25 pounds first, everyone could look for Sources: Etnia Nativa

Beaches for the whole family to enjoy!

of the beach cliff leading your children to play and beach, it is relatively quiet
you down, the best spot build sand castles. and tranquil. This is a great
for families to hang out is place for family to lay down
across the bridge, passed Boca Catalina in Malmok a big blanket and have a
the mangrove trees near Boca Catalina is a small bay little picnic. This is also one
the entrance sign. Here, beach near the Malmok of the best places to snor-
there are small and big beach area further down kel, as this area is filled with
palapas, perfect for big the hotel areas. Though it little fish and corals, even
and small families to set may not be a very sandy close to the shore.q
up their belongings. In this
area, the shore is also shal-
low, falling right around
your knee before slowly
getting deeper: perfect for
kids to safely play.
(Oranjestad)—One of the parents to sit back and re-
biggest concerns that par- lax while their children play Eagle Beach/Palm Beach
ents have when traveling in the shallow shores of the Yet another highly popular
with their children is a guar- beach. Beside the relaxing beach sites, Eagle Beach
antee of their safety and atmosphere, there are also and Palm Beach is where
healthy enjoyment. There- several services that may most of our visitors go to
fore, we thought it would accommodate your stay, tan, swim or play in the
be a great help to travel- like a parking lot, sun tent white sand. Because they
ing parents to list off some rentals, chairs, bathrooms are near the low-rise and
the most family-friendly and a snack bar right at high-rise hotel areas, these
beaches around the island. the far left of the beach. beaches are the most ac-
cessible for visitors on foot.
Baby Beach in San Nicolas Mangel Halto in Pos These beaches also offer
Baby Beach is one Aruba’s Chiquito many palapas free to use,
most popular and visited Mangel Halto is situated but you can also rent chairs
beaches, and for good rea- in the back streets of Pos and tents. Much like Baby
son: This sandy and quiet Chiquito. Though there are Beach, these sites are one
lagoon is a great place for several stairs on the sides of the best beaches for