Viper Island

The Island derives its name from the vessel 'Viper' in which Lt.Archibald Blair came to the Island in 1768 with the purpose of establishing a Penal Settlement. The Jail @ Viper, where prisoners deported from the mainland were confined, was built by the British under the supervision of Major Fort. Work on the prison was started in 1867. Owing to the working conditions, the jail earned the notorious name Viper Chain Gang Jail.