Rolle Town Tombs | Grand Exuma

The Rolle Town Tombs are a series of ancient burial sites located on the island of Great Exuma in the Bahamas.

These structures are believed to be the oldest known European-style tombs in the Bahamas.

Visual Characteristics

The tombs are constructed from rough-hewn coral stone blocks. They are rectangular in shape, with low walls and flat tops. The stone exhibits a weathered, greyish-brown patina due to exposure to the elements. The dimensions of the individual tombs vary, but they generally measure approximately 2 meters in length and 1 meter in width.

Location & Access Logistics

The Rolle Town Tombs are situated approximately 10 kilometers east of Georgetown, the main settlement on Great Exuma. Access is via Queen's Highway, the primary road traversing the island. Turn south onto a short, unpaved track approximately 0.5 kilometers past the Rolle Town settlement sign. The track leads directly to the tomb site. Parking is available on the grass verge adjacent to the tombs. No public transport services operate directly to this location.

Historical & Ecological Origin

These tombs are attributed to the Rolle family, early settlers of European descent, likely dating from the late 18th or early 19th century. They represent an early attempt at European burial customs in the Bahamian environment. The construction utilizes locally quarried coral stone, a common building material in the region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation of the tomb structures. Photography of the historical architecture. Walking the perimeter of the site.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no dedicated facilities at the Rolle Town Tombs. Restrooms, shade, and food vendors are not present. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in this area.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is during the morning or late afternoon when the sun angle provides shadow definition on the stone. The weather is most favorable between December and May, avoiding the peak hurricane season.

Facts & Legends

Local lore suggests that the tombs were built to house members of the Rolle family who were prominent landowners in the area. Some accounts mention the possibility of hidden treasures, though no verifiable evidence supports this.

Nearby Landmarks

• Georgetown (10km West)
• Hooper's Bay (3km Southwest)
• Sandpiper Arts & Crafts (4km West)
• Exuma Markets (9km West)