Page 7 - aruba-today-20240923

A7
LOCAL Monday 23 SepteMber 2024
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 signment was discontinued At the same time, the Aru-
Mining Company Ltd, the by Printz himself. ban government took im-
gold mill at Bushiribana mediate actions, and in-
was constructed in the It wasn’t until 100 years lat- formed Curacao that gold
area where most gold was er, in 1824, when a young was found. At first, every-
found by locals. The story boy found a lump of gold one could look for gold,
of gold on Aruba actually while out herding his fa- as long as they sold it to
dates back to 1725, when ther’s sheep. His father took the government. However,
a first exploration for gold it to a local merchant who after some time, the gov-
on the island was commis- then sold the lump for $70. ernment decided to im-
sioned by the Dutch West Unbeknownst to the boy plement stricter rules and
India Company. Under the and his father, they quite banned local search par-
leadership of Mr. Paulus literally struck gold, and ties. used a unique method that the Bushiribana Gold Mill.
Printz, a three-year search as word got out, a gold involved grinding the rocks
was conducted on Aruba, fever spread among the Over the years, conces- and letting the dust be The gold mill itself had a
to no avail. Though they locals who started search- sion-holding had seen dif- blown away by the strong short life-span: only 10 years
found some gold, it was ing for more gold. About 25 ferent companies from northeast wind, leaving in service, but its structure
enough to motivate a fur- pounds worth was found. around the world, all of clumps of gold behind. The remained relatively solid till
ther search, and the as- which used primitive meth- next step was melting the this day, and is now a his-
ods to dig and carve out gold and letting it attach torical remnant.
Aruba to me gold from the rocks. Aruba to quicksilver in order to Sources: Etnia Nativa & gold-
obtain pure gold. All these
Island Gold Mining Compa-
ny Ltd. was no different, but processes were done at mineranch.com.

ORANJESTAD — You are back or still enjoying your vaca-
tion?... we would like to portrait you! By inviting you to
send us your favorite vacation picture while enjoying our
Happy Island.

Complete the sentence: Aruba to me is ……. Send your
picture with that text (including your name and where you
are from) to: news@arubatoday.com and we will publish
your vacation memory. Isn’t that a special way to keep
your best moments alive? Please do note: By submitting
photos, text or any other materials, you give permission to
The Aruba Today Newspaper, Caribbean Speed Printers
and any of its affiliated companies to use said materials,
as well as names, likeness, etc. for promotional purposes
without compensation.

Last but not least: check out our website, Instagram and
Facebook page! Thank you for supporting our free news-
paper, we strive to make you a happy reader every day
again.q