St Helena - Jacobs Ladder (699 steps), Jamestown
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St Helena - Jacobs Ladder (699 steps), Jamestown
St Helena - Jacobs Ladder (699 steps), Jamestown. In 1829, the Saint Helena Railway Company built an inclined-plane cableway on Saint Helena. It was intended to lift supplies from the port and capital of Jamestown up to Ladder Hill Fort. It was rebuilt as a long, steep staircase, by the Royal Engineers in 1871 and hosts an annual foot race (!!). Date: circa 1920s
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Media ID 11549561
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
1871 Atlantic Engineers Fort Helena Jacobs Jamestown Ladder Stair
EDITORS COMMENTS
St Helena Island's iconic Jacobs Ladder (circa 1920s): A Historical Climb through Time Nestled in the South Atlantic Ocean, the remote and enchanting island of St Helena is renowned for its unique landscapes and rich history. Among its most famous landmarks is Jacobs Ladder, a steep staircase of 699 steps that ascends from the bustling capital of Jamestown to Ladder Hill Fort. In the late 1800s, the need to transport goods from the port to the fort became increasingly challenging. The Saint Helena Railway Company attempted to address this issue by constructing an inclined-plane cableway in 1829. However, the project was not successful, and the railway was eventually dismantled. Fast forward to 1871, when the Royal Engineers took on the task of transforming the failed cableway into a more practical solution. They rebuilt it as a long, steep staircase, now known as Jacobs Ladder. The staircase, named after the then Governor, Sir John Jacob, has since become a symbol of the island's resilience and determination. The annual Jacobs Ladder Race, which takes place on the third Saturday of August, is a testament to the islanders' spirit and their commitment to preserving this historical landmark. Participants from all walks of life challenge themselves to climb the 699 steps, making it a cherished tradition for both locals and visitors alike. As you gaze upon this photograph of Jacobs Ladder in the 1920s, imagine the countless feet that have climbed these steps over the centuries, each leaving a piece of their story behind. This iconic landmark stands as a testament to St Helena's past and a reminder of the island's enduring strength and determination.
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