Adamstown

Adamstown is the capital settlement of the Pitcairn Islands in the Pacific Ocean, positioned along the north coast of the main island. Houses stand scattered along steep slopes above Bounty Bay, where a narrow path leads down to the only landing point.

The settlement emerged in 1790 when nine British mutineers from HMS Bounty and their Polynesian companions established the first permanent community. During the 19th century the community grew slowly and adapted its way of life to the limited resources of the island.

Residents maintain a communal lifestyle where every household takes part in shared tasks such as maintaining the path to the landing and tending public spaces. This close cooperation shows in daily life when families help each other with harvesting or welcoming incoming ships.

Visitors reach the settlement only through a steep climb from the landing jetty, which requires some surefootedness. Those wishing to stay longer usually lodge with families who offer guest rooms and organize shared meals.

Every house maintains radio equipment for communication, as the settlement operates the smallest governmental radio station in the world. These devices connect residents to each other and to the outside world when no ship is in sight.

Location: Pitcairn Islands

Elevation above the sea: 330 m

GPS coordinates: -25.06667,-130.10000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:18