The city was founded in 1835 when several British families moved to Roatán from the Cayman Islands. It is named after the pirate Captain John Coxen/Coxon due the fact that during the 17th century Roatán was once home to over 5,000 pirates living all through the island.
Roatán's founding in 1835 was facilitated by several British families who moved there from the Cayman Islands. The town's name is linked to Captain John Coxen/Coxon, whose pirate activities were prevalent on Roatán during the 17th century.