Joseph Town
| Nation: | South Sea Islands |
| Population: | 3,163 |
| Predominant language: | Britannic Istvanistani |
|
| |
| Main roads: | Grinstead Road, Endeavour Terrace, Crown Boulevard |
| Major districts: | Regulbium, Hampton |
|
| |
| Current mayor: | Femke Dijkstra |
| |
| Map versions: | 17.0.1 - |
Joseph Town is the capital city of the South Sea Islands. Named after His Royal Majesty King Josephus I, the city is located on Trinity Island and is the oldest continuously occupied settlement in on the islands. It is also home to the Government of the South Sea Islands.
With a population of approximately three thousand, Joseph Town is the second largest city in the South Sea Islands.
History
Joseph Town was established in 1504 by the islands original Britannic settlers, following their arrival three years earlier on the SS. Endeavour. Due to a scarcity of building materials, the city grew slowly in the early years of existence and remained relatively small until the completion of a wooden jetty in 1507. This allowed larger ships to unload directly, and spurred the growth of the city, which reached its maximum extent by 1556.
The Legislative Assembly of the South Sea Islands has gathered in Joseph Town since the city's establishment, having previously met in Port Egmont prior to that settlement's abandonment.
While the history of the city has been overwhelmingly peaceful, a rockfall from nearby Mount Torrington led to the deaths of seven residents and extensive damage to the Regulbium district in 1617.
Geography
Joseph Town is located on the north western coast of Trinity Islands, and stands on the shores of Nightingale Bay. The eastern side of the bay is primarily industrial and is home to the city's fishing and commercial ports, while the western and central bay areas are residential. Due to the city's relatively small population a single commercial centre has not developed, and facilities are generally dispersed around the residential areas.
The landward side of the city is surrounded by the northernmost spurs of Mount Torrington, which rises to 2,002m above sea level and protects the settlement from the worst of the polar winds.
Landmarks
Government House
Since its completion in 1586, the current Government House has stood in a central position within Joseph Town, overlooking the fishing harbour nearby. The building has a stone structure clad it white weatherboarding, with a roof tiles in local slate. Government House is the official residence of both the Lieutenant Governor and the monarch, and is also home to the Legislative Assembly chamber and a number of government departments.
Joseph Town Cathedral
Built in 1586 in parallel to nearby Government House, Joseph Town Cathedral is the tallest brick building in the South Sea Islands, with the tower standing at a height of 34 metres. The tower contains a carillon consisting of 24 bells, the largest and most central of which bears the inscription "CelorumXte placeat tibi rex sonus iste" ("O Christ, King of Heaven, may the sound please Thee").
With seating for a congregation of 400, the cathedral is also the highest capacity venue on Trinity Island, and is therefore used for a variety of music events and public meetings.
Joseph Town Cathedral is the largest church of the Protestantse Kerk in de Zuidzee-eilanden on Micras, and is a focal point of national and religious celebrations.
SS.Endeavour
The seaward side of Joseph Town Cathedral is home to a life size, exact replica of the SS. Endeavour. Unveiled in 1651, the replica serves as a monument to the Journey of the Frozen Tears and was also intended to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the South Sea Islands. While theoretically seaworthy, the ship floats in a specially constructed sea pool to keep it afloat during low tides and is permanently docked in Joseph Town.
SS.Endeavour is open to visitors throughout the year (excluding public holidays).
St Christopher's tower
The 40 metre tall St Christopher's tower is the tallest building in the South Sea Islands and, as an active lighthouse, serves as a navigation and safety aid for approaching ships. The tower, named after the Christian patron saint of travels, was opened to celebrate the national centenary in 1601, and stands on the eastern spur of Mount Torrington.
The base of the tower is approximately 550 metres above sea level and can only be reached by an infamously narrow path known as Jacob's Ladder, which follows the ridge of the mountain spur.
Memorial Park
The Joseph Town Memorial Park is the largest formal open space in the city, stretching from Government House in the west to the base of Mount Torrington's eastern spur. The park is home to a large variety of native flora, but lacks trees due to the shallow soil and harsh climate of Trinity Island.
The Memorial Park is home to a bronze statue of Prince Jack of the Calbain who is believed to have met his end in the vicinity of what is now the park. The statue is of particular significance to the South Sea Islands' ethnic Calbain population.
Economy
The city's primary industries are fishing (primarily toothfish and squid), animal husbandry (yak & reindeer) and public services (including government administration). In addition to hosting a significant fishing fleet and fish processing facility, the city also benefits from lucrative fishing rights licensing arrangements, the proceeds of which are shared with the national government.
