Hattieville: History and Orientation

The street directions answer the first question; the history after Hurricane Hattie answers the second. Belize also offers other cultural and natural topics as independent travel interests.

Locating Hattieville

Hattieville is on the Western Highway, about 17 miles from Belize City. The George Price Highway runs through Hattieville Village. This gives you two different points of reference: the approximate distance describes how far it is to Belize City, while the highway reference describes the route through the village. The population is given as approximately 1,300. For your initial impression of the place, treat the distance and population as approximate figures; the road names serve as specific geographic references.

The town’s origins

After Hurricane Hattie, Hattieville was founded as a refugee camp for people who had been left homeless. The town’s origins are therefore tied to a specific historical purpose and to the people affected. If the origins of a destination are also a factor in your choice of where to visit, this founding history provides a clear local point of reference.

History can be a factor in choosing a place, just like geographic orientation. In Hattieville, these two perspectives come together through the highway information and the town’s founding after the hurricane.

Cultural and natural attractions in Belize

In Belize, St. John’s Cathedral is considered the oldest Anglican church in Central America, apart from the Maya temples. The Travellers Heritage Center Museum in Belize City is considered suitable for day trips or for cruise passengers passing through; check current opening arrangements before visiting.

At Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, the dry season from November to May is considered the peak season for birdwatching. On tours lasting one to three hours, you are likely to see 20 to 40 different bird species at any time of year. For planning purposes, these details answer two different questions: November to May marks the seasonal peak, while the tour length gives you a time frame for birdwatching. The number of species is a likelihood, not a guarantee. Canoes, bicycles, and horses can be rented to explore the area for birdwatching; check current availability before your trip. Visitors can get free trail maps at the visitor center; check locally whether they are currently available.

At Swallow Caye, visitors can observe manatees from a boat in their natural habitat; follow the protected area’s guidelines. More than 45 animal species can be seen at the Belize Zoo, which was founded in 1983. During guided tours, animal caretakers take visitors to see some of the animals. If you plan to take such a tour, confirm current availability beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Bermudian Landing, Belize City, Crooked Tree, Lucky Strike, Rock Stone Pond, Ladyville, Big Falls, Burrell Boom.

For the broader travel overview: Belize.