Neighbourhoods of the Corn Islands
Historically, the Corn Islands have comprised six principal neighbourhoods, each further divided into sectors such as streets, hills, lanes, and notable landmarks. The following information, based on a series of interviews and historical analyses, seeks to document the origins and meanings of these neighbourhoods, contributing to the preservation of local heritage and collective memory.
Brig Bay
Brig Bay is the largest neighbourhood on the Corn Islands and is regarded as their commercial and administrative centre. Its name derives from the sailing ships, particularly brigs, that anchored off the shores of Great Corn Island, most frequently within Brig Bay Harbour. In earlier centuries, it was common to see English and Spanish vessels anchored or passing along these waters. The term brig refers to a two-masted sailing vessel, with the “rig” denoting the structure that supports the sails.
Although contemporary references often distinguish between Brig Bay I and Brig Bay II, historically there has only been one Brig Bay. The neighbourhood extends from the northern area near Jackson Beach (formerly the site of the Beach View Hotel) to the large mango tree situated a few metres from the hospital.
Sectors within Brig Bay include Passion Street, Mosquito Point (also known as Padre Point), Carolyn Point, Jack Jelly Point, Woula Point, Coco Beach, Broad Bay, Promar, Southwest Bay, Hill Road, Breadfruit Lane, Egypt, Sweet Valley, Honduras, and Vicente. In recent years, additional names and sectors have emerged, reflecting the influence of both migration and evolving local identity.
Quinn Hill
Quinn Hill is among the oldest neighbourhoods of the Corn Islands. It extends from Southwest Bay and Cowpen Bay upwards, as well as from the curve near the former rock crusher machine on Hill Road towards higher elevations. The area, which occupies the island’s second-highest peak, takes its name from the Quinn family, the first recorded inhabitants of this part of the island. The earliest known resident, Patrick Quinn, was an Englishman reputed to have been a pirate.
The sectors comprising Quinn Hill include Bluff Point, part of Southwest Bay, Manganil Point, Manjanil Beach, Blowhole, and Cowpen Bay.
South End
South End is the second-largest neighbourhood of the Corn Islands and, like Quinn Hill, possesses considerable historical significance. Its name originates from its geographical location on the southern side of Great Corn Island. The area is notable for its historical landmarks, including the Rock Wall—constructed by enslaved African descendants—the Old Breadfruit Tree, Pelican Rock, High Rock, and the Slave Tomb.
South End begins at the large mango tree near the hospital and extends to the entrance of the road leading to Silver Sand Beach. Its sectors include Solomon Hill, Christian Hill, Shallow Water Beach, Content Point, Rama Road, The Point, Siquia Point, Long Bay, and part of Mount Pleasant.
Sally Peachie
Sally Peachie is the smallest and one of the quietest neighbourhoods on Great Corn Island, located adjacent to Quinn Hill. It extends from the entrance to Silver Sand Beach to the bridge before the residence of Mr Myers Cathrall.
The name Sally Peachie symbolises happiness and joy. Sally may have originated as a personal nickname and also conveys a sense of fun or liveliness in colloquial English. Peachie represents the Creole spelling of peachy, meaning happy, cheerful, or excellent.
Historically, Sally Peachie was home to local musician Vertic Hodgson and other composers who enlivened the area with their music. The neighbourhood also contains the Springhole, or Spring, the only known natural freshwater source of its kind on the islands.
Sectors within Sally Peachie include Coplin, Sandfly Bay, Heavy Sand Beach, Alligator Pond Beach, Little Hill, and Rocky Point.
North End
North End is the third-largest neighbourhood of the Corn Islands and holds a prominent place in the cultural and religious history of Nicaragua. It was the site of the country’s first Baptist church and school and was home to Hazel Bernard, the longest-living resident of the islands (1912–2022).
The neighbourhood begins at Jackson Beach (formerly the location of the Beach View Hotel) and extends just beyond the entrance to Mr Myers Cathrall’s residence. Its name reflects its position on the northern side of Great Corn Island.
The sectors comprising North End include Jackson Beach, Morgan Point, Connor Point, Bernard Bank, Bernard Beach, North End Bank, Toddy Point, Henny Beach, Henny Point, Bodden Point, Bodden Beach, Bradley Bush Road, Jolly Hill, and Cuartel.
Little Corn Island
Historically, Little Corn Island was considered a neighbourhood of Corn Island; however, it was later elevated to the category of an urban community. The island, which lends its name to the neighbourhood, is home to more than one thousand inhabitants and stands today as one of Nicaragua’s most prominent tourist destinations.
Its principal sectors include The Village, Carib Town, Majagua Beach, Cocal Beach, and Gun Point Beach, among others.
Conclusion
Over time, neighbourhood names have evolved, and new ones have been incorporated. Nevertheless, it remains essential to recognise, document, and promote the original names, as they preserve the narratives and memories that form part of the Corn Islands’ cultural and historical identity. These names serve not only as geographical references but also as living testimonies of community, resilience, and continuity across generations.
