Could a victorian-era women own land or property?
This reminds me 18th century Elizabeth Sinclair. She purchased Ni’ihu Isle for $10,000 worth gold.
Niʻihau, often referred to as Hawaii’s “Forbidden Isle,” has a fascinating history rooted in preservation and exclusivity. In 1864, Elizabeth Sinclair, a Scottish immigrant, purchased the island from King Kamehameha V for $10,000 in gold. Her family committed to maintaining the island’s Hawaiian culture and way of life, a promise that has been upheld by her descendants, the Robinson family, who still own and manage Niʻihau today. The island spans 69 square miles and is located about 17 miles southwest of Kauaʻi. Its residents, primarily Native Hawaiians, live without modern conveniences like paved roads, hospitals, or indoor plumbing, relying on rainwater and solar panels for their needs. This isolation has helped preserve the Hawaiian language and traditional practices, making Niʻihau a living time capsule of early Hawaiian life.
Access to Niʻihau is strictly controlled, earning it the nickname “Forbidden Isle.” Only a select few, such as family friends, U.S. Navy personnel, and invited guests, are allowed to visit. The Robinson family has opened limited portions of the island to tourists through supervised tours and hunting safaris, but these come with significant restrictions and high costs. The island’s ecosystem is a haven for endangered species, and its residents contribute to preserving Hawaiian culture through activities like crafting intricate shell leis. Despite controversies surrounding the strict rules imposed by the Robinsons, Niʻihau remains a unique example of cultural and environmental preservation. Its history and current status highlight the delicate balance between isolation and the pressures of the modern world.
