Virgin Gorda is the third-largest (after Tortola and Anegada) and second most populous of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Located at approximately 18 degrees, 48 minutes North, and 64 degrees, 30 minutes West, it covers an area of about 8 square miles (21 km²). Christopher Columbus is said to have named the island "The Fat Virgin", because the island's profile on the horizon looks like a fat woman lying on her side.
The main town is Spanish Town on the southwestern part of the island.
An unusual geologic formation known as "The Baths" located on the southern end of the island makes Virgin Gorda one of the BVI's major tourist destinations. At The Baths, the beach shows evidence of the island's volcanic origins, as huge granite boulders lie in piles on the beach, forming scenic grottoes that are open to the sea. North of the Baths is the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor, formerly owned Little Dix Bay. The most notable ruin on Virgin Gorda is the old Copper Mine. In the island's North Sound is the high-end Bitter End Yacht Club, now a five-star resort.
Granite does not indicate a volcanic origin. Granite is an intrusive (formed below the surface of the earth) rock, and therefore, plutonic. This said, the presence of granite in the BVI is an anomaly.
Education
The British Virgin Islands operates several government schools.[1] Virgin Gorda residents are served by Robinson O'Neal Memorial Primary School, a primary school, and Bregado Flax Educational Centre, a combined primary and secondary school which opened in 1982.[2] In 2000 the government created plans to create a primary school on the island.[3]
Gallery
 An overview of the Island |
 The Baths, Virgin Gorda |
 Huge boulders litter the beach at The Baths |
 Another view of boulders at The Baths |
 Sunset at Virgin Gorda |
 Sunset at Gorda Peak |
 The Copper Mine |
References
- ^ BVI Government
- ^ "Bregado Flax Graduates 21 Students". Island Sun. 2002-07-12. http://www.islandsun.com/2002-July/12072002/local5-v8i16.html. Retrieved 2008-05-27.
- ^ Stoutt, Jerinice (2006-08-23). "Virgin Gorda Primary School". Development Planning Unit. http://www.dpu.gov.vg/PublicInvestment/CorePSIP/VirginGordaPrimary.htm. Retrieved 2008-05-27.
Coordinates: 18°28′54.8″N 64°23′20.95″W / 18.481889°N 64.3891528°W
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