The Puerto Ferro

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

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Hidden in plain sight down a rough dirt path off Rt. 997 between Isabel Segunda and Esperanza lies one of the oldest archaeological sites in Puerto Rico and all of the Greater Antilles; the Puerto Ferro Archaeological Site. The oldest human remains ever found in Vieques were discovered at this site. They are dated somewhere between 700 BCE and 2145 BCE, a long stretch of time during which the original Pre-Arawak people of Vieques inhabited the site. Marking the site are “Las Rocas de Puerto Ferro”, giant boulders sometimes referred to as a mini-Stonehenge because they appear arranged in such a fashion that they elicit speculation. There is no scientific proof that the boulders were ever moved. They are, rather, the underground remains of the original volcanic formation of Vieques. More specifically, the stone formation is part of the estimated 65 million-year-old “Vieques Pluton”, a mass of igneous rock that originally covered the entire western half of Vieques and some of the east. The boulders are composed of granodiorite, which is intermediate between granite and diorite. In addition to the massive boulders at Puerto Ferro, there is a line of smaller stones set low in the ground that runs 68 feet in length. Robert Marino, curator for the Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust, believes the line of stones was used for celestial navigation. He has taken readings that seem to indicate the line points directly to an archaeological site in Salt River Bay, St. Croix. The line also cuts across Puerto Mosquito, Vieques’ bioluminescent bay. Salt River Bay has been intermittently bioluminescent in the past. Directions: Look for the sign on Rt. 997 between the Refuge and Sun Bay.+

The Matriarch of Vieques: Ceiba Tree

The Ceiba tree is revered in many cultures as the connection between heaven and earth and holds a significant place in the hearts of the local community on Vieques. Our Ceiba, central to Parque La Ceiba, located on the West end of the island before Rompeolas pier, is over 300 years old. The longevity of the Ceiba tree, also known as the Kapok tree, is a marvel of nature. With a lifespan that can extend up to 500 years or more, it serves as a testament to longevity and resilience. One of the key factors contributing to its vitality is its adaptable root system. The Ceiba’s strong and extensive roots spread wide and deep, enabling it to absorb water and nutrients from various sources. The roots also grow to form “buckets” that collect rainwater, making them remarkably resistant to drought. In addition to its impressive root system, the Ceiba tree avoids broken limbs by growing hard, pointed spikes on its branches, making them nearly impossible to climb on. Visit Parque la Ceiba and take some time to appreciate it and feel the deep-rooted connections of the island’s history and resilience. Directions: Drive west past the airport on Rt. 200. The park is on your right when you reach the curve to go toward Rompeolas pier.