Historic Cummingsburg

TIMES INT'L
Cara Lodge, now a hotel, was known as Woodbine House. This was once the home of George Anderson Forshaw. The yard contains a Sapodilla tree that was planted by the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, on a visit to the colony
Cara Lodge, now a hotel, was known as Woodbine House. This was once the home of George Anderson Forshaw. The yard contains a Sapodilla tree that was planted by the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, on a visit to the colony

During 1759, Jaques Salignac applied for a grant of 500 acres of land for cotton and coffee cultivation. He was granted permission by the Court of Policy. Salignac named this tract of land La Bourgade. In 1807 Thomas Cumming, a Scotsman, became the owner of the estate and renamed Plantation La Bourgade  Cummingsburg, after his family, it was a town two miles in circumference and most regularly arranged.

A special feature of Cummingsburg was the provision of fresh water reservoirs. These were filled with small fish and were later planted with Victoria Amazonica and Lotus lilies by Luke M Hill. The reservoir in Main Street was filled up and converted into a walkway in 1897. It was named the Queen Victoria Promenade by the Mayor and Town Council in honour of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee (this area is now known as Main Street Avenue). In later years other reservoirs were converted into similar walkways.

Previously the Public Free Library built in 1909. Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish born American industrialist and philanthropist, provided financing for the construction and furnishing of the building. The building once housed the Economic Science, Anthropological and Historical sections of the Museum. In 1951, the Museum was relocated to its present site and the Library took over the entire building
Previously the Public Free Library built in 1909. Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish born American industrialist and philanthropist, provided financing for the construction and furnishing of the building. The building once housed the Economic Science, Anthropological and Historical sections of the Museum. In 1951, the Museum was relocated to its present site and the Library took over the entire building

In 1864 the western part of Cummingsburg was destroyed by fire. The creation of new streets and redistribution of house lots were several of the plans undertaken to reorganize the destroyed area.

An examination of the nomenclature of this ward of the city reflects rich examples of Guyana’s history. Some Streets such as Waterloo Street; named after Admiral Wellington’s great battle and Victory at Waterloo against the French forces on 18 June 1815 and Carmichael Street; named in honour of General Hugh Lyle Carmichael who served as Governor 1812-1813 are indicative of our colonial heritage. Quamina Street (formerly Murray Street named in honour of Major General John Murray) was renamed in honour of one of Guyana’s national heroes.

Other streets derived their names simply from geographic locations to buildings or places.  Thomas Street derived its name from its location as the main road to Plantation Thomas.  East Street because of its easterly location in this ward. Cummings Street was formerly known as the back dam (Cummingsburg Backdam) of Plantation La Bourgade. Middle Street also derives its name because of being the middle dam of Plantation La Bourgade. Lamaha Street was so named because of its northerly direction with main drainage trench of the district; New Market Street because it led to the new market, and Church Street as it was the primary route used by citizens for access to St. Georges Church. (National Trust of Guyana website)

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