The silk cotton tree in Cudjoe Head

Silk cotton trees in Montserrat were of agricultural importance having economic value in the fabric industry. The silk cotton tree in Cudjoe Head however has added historic significance. Legend has it that a runaway slave name Cudjoe was lynched on the tree during the dark days of slavery. The village was then appropriately called Cudjoe Head. The tree has withstood several hurricanes. Today it still stands very erect and healthy. The tree provides dense shade for persons who gather beneath it for a chat or waiting for the bus.