Beekhuizen | |
|---|---|
 The former Beekhuizen plantation | |
 Map showing the resorts of Paramaribo District. Beekhuizen | |
| Coordinates: 5°48′20″N 55°10′35″W / 5.8055°N 55.1764°W | |
| Country |  Suriname |
| District | Paramaribo District |
| Area | |
| • Total | 9 km2 (3 sq mi) |
| Population (2012)[1] | |
| • Total | 17,185 |
| • Density | 1,900/km2 (4,900/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-3 (AST) |
Beekhuizen is a former sugarcane plantation[2] and currently a resort in Suriname, located in the Paramaribo District. Its population at the 2012 census was 17,185.[1]
The plantation was founded before 1700 by Benjamin Beeke. Around 1850, the Moravian Church became part owner of the plantation, started a school,[2] and released the slaves working on their part of the plantation, because they were against slavery.[3] In the late 19th century, the Saramacca canal was widened, and 8,200 hectares could be put under cultivation.[2]
At the outbreak of World War II, in May 1940, some Surinamese detainees were interned there, as well as some Germans on a temporary basis until the internment camp at Copieweg was completed.[4] In 1947, Bruynzeel started a wood factory, and constructed wooden prefabricated houses on an industrial scale.[5] In 1945, Beekhuizen became a neighbourhood of Paramaribo.[6] The Zorg en Hoop Airport is located in the Beekhuizen resort. The Jules Sedney Harbour, the main cargo harbour, is also located in the resort.[7]
