One of the World's Longest and Steepest Stairways: The Jacob's Ladder in St. Helena
Revisiting the daunting Jacob's Ladder:
Ah, remember the remote island of St. Helena? Home to the lore of Napoleon Bonaparte's exile and the infamous Jacob's Ladder. Yes, that steep stairway you'd scream about finding at the edge of this picturesque island (1).
When sailing towards this island, the first sight that grabs your attention is the continuous, steep, and possibly the steepest stairway you've ever come across in your life - Jacob's Ladder, twice voted one of the seven wonders of St. Helena. Brace yourself; it ain't for the faint-hearted (1).
The Tale Behind the Ladder:
Before this colossal stairway, a zigzag path meandered up the hill from the valley floor, followed by a rope ladder that led to the Ladder Hill Fort. The soldiers would clamber up and down these stairs. Now, in 1820, this rope ladder was replaced by a steep, two-car, inclined plane (1).
This contraption, known as the Ladder Hill Railway, had wagons hauled up the inclined plane on rails using pulleys, transporting goods, and supplies for the Ladder Hill Fort and the nearby farmland. It also carried produce downhill. The cars stood atop a pair of iron-plated fir rails, anchored into the rocky terrain. A steep staircase was made for pedestrians for easy access. The power source was provided by three donkeys at the top, working to rotate the machine connected to the cars using iron chains and pulleys (2).
This machine remained in service until 1871, when it fell into disuse and was eventually dismantled, leaving behind just the staircase that still stands today - Jacob's Ladder (1).
Conquering the Ladder:
This staircase consists of 699 steep steps that reach from the valley floor up to the Ladder Hill Fort, a distance of 924 feet. The average rise is approximately 11 inches per step, climbing a cliff face of 602 feet above sea level (1).
According to local legends, the last lower step of the Ladder crumbled, leaving the number of steps at 699 instead of the original 700. Some adventurous climbers have discovered an unconventional way to descend the ladder - they slide down the handrails, a risky yet exhilarating solution they've invented (1)!
Climbing Jacob's Ladder can be quite a strenuous hike, earning you a prestigious certificate from the Museum of St. Helena once you complete it (1). And while the ascent might be more taxing than it appears, tackling this challenging feat offers a unique sense of accomplishment. That being said, climbers are often left aching the day after their conquest (1).
But hey, what goes straight up must come down, right? And when you make it to the summit, the breathtaking view is well worth the climb (1).
Jacob's Ladder: A Biblical Connection:
The name Jacob's Ladder harks back to the Book of Genesis, where Jacob dreams of a ladder that reaches from earth to heaven with angels ascending and descending upon it (3). So, a steep staircase like Jacob's Ladder serves as the perfect namesake. Do a quick google search, and you'll find "Jacob's Ladder" popping up in places around the world, all involving steep climbs (3).
From Jacob's Ladder in St. Helena to the more mundane staircases in our everyday lives, sometimes making our way to the top feels like an uphill battle. But, with thrilling challenges come rewarding experiences and memories that last a lifetime (3).
While challenging St. Helena's iconic Jacob's Ladder tests adventurous travelers to climb its 699 steep steps, it also offers a unique lifestyle experience that earned famous recognition in the Book of Genesis. Braving this biblical-named monument, one discovers unforgettable adventure-travel opportunities with the reward of breathtaking sports views atop the Ladder Hill Fort.
