At the height of cotton production (1802-1804), how many slaves were working the plantations?

The period between 1802 and 1804 was significant for the cotton production industry in the Cayman Islands, as it marked a peak in agricultural activity driven by the demand for cotton in international markets. During this time, it is estimated that approximately 300 enslaved individuals were laboring on the cotton plantations. This number reflects the scale of agriculture during that period, as the plantations relied heavily on slave labor for their operations.

Given the historical context, the figure of 300 aligns with the documented experiences of the local economy and the reliance on enslaved labor, which was crucial for sustaining the plantations. The cultivation of cotton was labor-intensive, necessitating a considerable workforce to plant, tend, and harvest the crops effectively. This reliance on slave labor was a defining characteristic of the socioeconomic landscape of the Cayman Islands during this era.