Darlington is the island's only town - really a very small village. It has been variously used as a penal settlement (in two periods, 1825 to 1832, then 1842-1850), as well a semi-industrial settlement (1884-1896) and finally a rustic retreat for tourists and for the few farming families of the island (up to the late 1960s). Currently it houses overnight accommodation for tourists as well the park rangers' residences and offices.