Jonestown was a tract of 3,852 acres leased to Peoples Temple by the Government of Guyana for 25 years. It was located in the western part of the country in the Orinoco River Basin, near a disputed border with Venezuela. The lease required Peoples Temple to “cultivate and beneficially occupy” at least one-fifth of the area within the first two years, starting in 1974. Temple members worked hard to clear dense jungle, to build a community, and to create an agricultural project that grew pineapple, cassava, eddoes, and other tropical fruits and vegetables. The group also raised livestock for consumption. To see Jonestown’s approximate location, refer to this Map of Guyana. Jonestown was about six miles from Port Kaituma in the Northwest District of the country.
Where exactly was Jonestown?
Originally posted on June 15th, 2013.
Last modified on November 14th, 2023.