Mapping Colonial Prisons in the Anglophone Caribbean

Introduction

This project presents an interactive geospatial map visualizing identified colonial-era prisons in Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Barbados. It serves as a digital humanities exploration into the carceral landscapes of these territories during their respective colonial periods.

The primary goal was to rapidly develop a foundational visualization based on compiled historical data, allowing for an accessible overview of these significant sites.

View the Live Interactive Map: https://rtw878.github.io/British-Caribbean-Colonial-Prison-Map/

About the Project

This map aims to provide a spatial dimension to the study of colonial penal systems in the Anglophone Caribbean. The selection of prisons and their associated data are primarily derived from the research document: "Mapping Colonial Prisons in the Caribbean: A Rapid Geospatial Project Guide" (referred to hereafter as the source document).

The project underscores the varying colonial histories and their impact on the development of penal institutions across these territories, from repurposed forts to purpose-built penitentiaries.

Methodology & Tools

The creation of this map involved several stages:

1. Data Compilation: Initial prison data (names, approximate locations, operational periods, types) was extracted from the source document and compiled into a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file (colonial_prisons_data.csv in this repository).
2. Geospatial Processing with QGIS:
   • The CSV data was imported into QGIS (a free and open-source Geographic Information System).
   • A basemap was added for geographical context using the QuickMapServices plugin.
   • Data points were reviewed, with positional corrections and deletions made as necessary.
   • Symbology was applied to differentiate prisons by Country, with each country assigned a distinct color.
   • Labels for Prison Names were added and styled to match the color of their respective country's symbology, using QGIS's data-defined override features for enhanced visual coherence.
3. Web Map Generation: The QGIS project was exported into an interactive web map format (HTML, CSS, JavaScript using the Leaflet library) using the qgis2web plugin. The map view was configured to focus initially on the Caribbean region.
4. Hosting: The resulting web map files are hosted on GitHub Pages, making them publicly accessible.

Data

The primary dataset (colonial_prisons_data.csv) includes the following fields for each identified prison:

• Prison_Name
• Location_Description (e.g., Town/Parish)
• Latitude (approximate)
• Longitude (approximate)
• Years_Operation (colonial period)
• Type_Notes (description, historical context)
• Country

Ethical Considerations & Limitations

As outlined in the source document, users of this map should be aware of the following:

• Data Gaps and Accuracy: The data was compiled with a priority for speed based on readily available information. Consequently, there may be gaps or approximations, particularly concerning precise operational dates, exact geographic coordinates for all sites, and comprehensive details for every institution. The information has not been exhaustively verified against primary archival sources.
• Source Perspective: Colonial records, often the primary source for such data, were typically created by the colonial state and reflect its perspectives and objectives.
• Sensitivity of Subject Matter: Each data point represents a site of incarceration where individuals experienced confinement under colonial rule, often under harsh conditions. This map visualizes sites of significant historical power imbalances and oppression. It is intended for academic and research purposes and should be approached with sensitivity to the human experiences these sites represent.
• Scope: This map does not claim to be an exhaustive list of every colonial-era place of confinement (e.g., minor lock-ups, temporary sites) but focuses on more formally identified institutions as per the source document.

How to Use the Interactive Map

• Navigation: Pan and zoom to explore the Caribbean region and locate the prison sites.
• Information: Click on any prison point marker to view a pop-up window with its details (Name, Location, Years of Operation, Type/Notes, Country).
• Layers: If a layer control is present, you may be able to toggle the visibility of the prisons layer or change the basemap.

Repository Contents

This GitHub repository primarily contains:

• index.html: The main file for the interactive web map.
• /js, /css, /data, /images, /legend (and similar folders): Supporting files and data for the web map generated by qgis2web.
• colonial_prisons_data.csv: The source CSV data used in QGIS.
• README.md: This file.

Future Development

• Verification and refinement of existing data points (coordinates, dates).
• Addition of further historical sites based on deeper archival research.
• Integration of historical narratives, images, or primary source excerpts associated with each site.
• Expanded temporal scope or inclusion of other colonial territories.