Where is Buxton?
Brief History
In April 1840, 128 previously enslaved African labourers pooled $50,000 to purchase the 500-acre Plantation New Orange Nassau, which they renamed Buxton in honour of Thomas Fowell Buxton, a British Member of Parliament who fought relentlessly for the abolition of slavery. The following year, another 168 of them came together and acquired the adjoining 500-acre Plantation Friendship for $80,000. Ever since, the two villages were joined to become one community - Buxton/Friendship.
The community shares a proud history of scholastic excellence through its many illustrious sons and daughters, some of whom were beneficiaries of the "Buxton Scholarship" and who went on to serve in prestigious positions around the world. In its heyday, it boasted one of the best education systems in the country with three secondary schools - Buxton Government Secondary School, County High School and Smith’s College. There were four primary schools - St. Augustine’s Anglican School/Friendship Government School, Friendship Methodist (Wesleyan) School, Arundel Congregational (Missionary) School and St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic School. Early education was provided by a host of bottom-house Kindergarten schools, while skills and craft were taught to adolescents at the Buxton Trade School.
Buxton is the original home of the popular Buxton Spice Mango. This distinctly sweet fleshy yellowish-red fruit, when ripe, grew abundantly in the fertile backlands of the village.
“Buxton People Stop Train” This legend goes back to 1862 when villagers, arming themselves with cutlasses, axes, sticks and other implements, laid wait along the railway line to intercept a locomotive train carrying the governor, whose audience they demanded. It was the last resort in a series of efforts by them to secure the abolishment of a repressive tax that was imposed on the properties of several villagers. As the train approached the village, several men and women formed themselves into a human shield, forcing the driver to bring the train to an immediate halt. The protestors then proceeded to immobilize the engine by applying chains and locks to its wheels. This forced the governor to step out and meet with villagers. After listening to their complaint, he reportedly decided to rescind the burdensome tax. Ever since, Buxtonians have earned the reputation as a people of unequalled courage.
Mission and Vision
MISSION: To help restore pride and prosperity in the village by providing resources for the development of youths, poor families, schools and institutions that serve those in need.
- Backpacks and School Supplies for Students
- Teaching/Learning Aids, Stationery, Equipment, Appliances and other Materials for Schools
- Travel Allowances for Secondary School Students
- Tuition Bursaries for University / Post-Secondary School Students
- Educational Tours
- Educational, Cultural and Social Enrichment Programmes
- Medical Outreach Projects
- Environmental Awareness Promotion
- Community Development Workshops
VISION: A strong and economically vibrant comm
Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc.
President: John Newton
Secretary: Lorna Campbell
