| The island of Grand Turk is sometimes referred to as a place that time forgot. Home to the capital Cockburn Town and the primary residence of H.E. The Governor.
 Its proximity to Hispaniola has meant that it witnessed its share of history.
More than 1000 years ago it was used as a Lucayan trading centre. Some 450 years ago the salt making industry began and in 1776 Bermudian sloops ignored a Royal Navy blockade and shipped salt to Washington’s army at Valley Forge.
In 1783, The French seized Grand Turk and Horatio Nelson (not yet an Admiral) tried unsuccessfully to recapture it. Grand Turk was later restored to Britain by the Treaty of Versailles.
In 1833 all slaves in the British Empire were granted their freedom by The Slavery Abolition Act a copy of which was read from the balcony at The Odd Fellows Lodge on Front Street.
Between 1848-1873 Queen Victoria granted a Royal Charter and the Turks & Caicos Islands become a semi-independent colony governed by a President due to the vast wealth generated by the salt industry.
In 1898 one of the world’s first undersea cables was laid through Grand Turk by the forerunner of Cable & Wireless and in 1950 a US missile tracking station was established followed by John Glenn’s splash-down just east of Grand Turk a few years later in 1962.
All that history has made Grand Turk a delightful pedestrian island blessed with charming colonial architecture, quiet walled streets shaded by colourful trees and surrounded by stunning turquoise waters. It’s friendly inhabitants gossip over walls and always have a smile on their faces.
Tranquility is the key to Grand Turk. Unlike Providenciales, with its bustling commerce, busy beaches and crowded restaurants, Grand Turk lets you move at your own pace. Do as much as or as little you like.
the archipeligo
 Grand Turk is a short 25 minute flight from Providenciales and is well served by local scheduled airlines whose time-tables are conveniently co-ordinated with those of the major international airlines serving Providenciales. Near enough to be convenient and yet far enough away to be tranquil and unspoiled, Grand Turk is a world unto itself.
the government
The Turks & Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory. A Governor is appointed by HM The Queen and presides over an Executive Council formed by an elected local self-government. The local Head of State is called The Premier. The Governor resides on Grand Turk. The Executive Council and the Supreme Court are also located on Grand Turk.
The legal system is based on English Common Law.
getting there
The Turks & Caicos Islands are easily reached directly from several cities in the US and England by many airlines including British Airways, American Airlines, US Airways Delta, Air Canada and Spirit. Spirit Airlines flies directly to Grand Turk twice a week from Ft. Lauderdale in season. SkyKing and Air Turks & Caicos fly non-stop from Providenciales numerous times throughout the day.
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