Belize City
Country: Belize
Region: North America
Period: 1862-1970
Location: 17.498611°N, -88.188611°E
Description
Belize City, located at the mouth of the Belize River on the Caribbean coast, was the capital of British Honduras, a British colony established in the 19th century. Originally a logging settlement, it developed into the colony’s administrative, commercial, and cultural hub. Its coastal location made it an important port for the export of timber, especially mahogany.
Modern Remains
Today, Belize City remains the largest city in Belize and a vital economic and cultural center. Colonial-era buildings, such as the Supreme Court, St. John’s Cathedral (the oldest Anglican church in Central America), and the Government House, reflect its British colonial past. The city also features museums and historic neighborhoods that showcase its evolution from a colonial capital to a modern Caribbean city.