Guyanese Online

Historic Cummingsburg

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 , 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 Regia and Lotus lillies 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.

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 reflect 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 on account 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 on account 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 simply because it led to the new market. Church Street as it was the primary route used by citizens for access to St. Georges  Church.

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