History of the Bahamas: Let Us Reveal It
Bahamas saw its first residents round 7000 years from now. They were called the Siboney Indians. After the Siboneys, the history of Bahamas Island saw the dwelling of Lucayans who came to the Bahamas from South America. These Lucayans were known to be prosperous and dwelled in Bahamas Island for a good long time. It has been estimated they lived in prosperity till the island was explored by Christopher Columbus in the year 1492. After he came to the island, the Lucayans were actually wiped out by the Spanish. The Spanish gave the Island a name “Baja Mar.” This word actually means shallow sea. The name is actually a misnomer as the Bahamas Island is actually mountainous.
The Historical Phase of Pirates
In the next phase of the history of the Bahamas Islands was related with the famous Eluethera Island. The phase of history of Bahamas Island is called adventurous as during this phase, the English people who left the Bermuda moved to the Bahamas Island in search religious freedom. During this phase of history of the Bahamas Island, the British formed colonies in the Islands. The Bahamas Island attracted large number of pirates during these times. Thus, Bahamas Island became a home to pirates for the next seventy years or so. The English were happy living on the Island. The pirates dominated the Islands till the year 1718 when they felt helpless against the powerful governor of the British in the Bahamas Island named Woodes Roger. Although the British acquired the Bahamas Island in the year 1670 but it was only during the rule of this governor the Bahamas got away with the pirates. Bahamas got under the rule of Spain for a short span that is during the times of American Revolution. But after the treaty of Versailles the British was once again the whole and sole of the Island.
The Period of Slaves
After the American Revolution, the history of Bahamas saw the period of slaves. The slaves were brought to Bahamas where they were made to work. Their labor bought prosperity to the Island. These slaves were bought to grow cotton on the Islands. According to the historical records, in the year 1788, the Bahamas Islands exported about 450 tons of cotton to the Great Britain. It was then in the history of Bahamas Island that the islands flourished the most. The Cat islands which are one of the most liked locations of the Bahamas Island flourished during these times. The Cat Island was a home of large number of cotton plantations. Even today, the remains of the slave villages and stone houses speak of the slaves in the region. You can still find the descendants of the slaves who have now settled as the citizens of the Bahamas Island.
The Modern History of Bahamas
The early twentieth century was not too great for the Bahamas Island. Although Bahamas flourished as a consequence of the civil war in America but as soon as the war ended the good times of Bahamas also saw a bad phase. It was only in the mid twentieth century when the Bahamas Island saw prosperity again. The reason behind the fact was that Bahamas Island served as an air and sea way during the war. Later history of the Bahamas Island speaks of its prosperity due to its tourism industry. Bahamas started to gain popularity as one of the hot destination for the tourists from all over the world. According to the record, in the year 1950 when Cuba was banned for tourists from US, Bahamas was the most favorite destination for the US tourists. The Bahamas Island further flourished when they were given the self government by the Great Britain in the year 1964. Another remarkable milestone in the history of Bahamas was when the Bahamas Islands were given the status of common wealth nation in the year 1969. Bahamas Islands are now free and independent since the year 1973. But Queen Elizabeth II still holds the title of being the constitutional head of the Bahamas Island.
So with the end of 325 years of British rule, the Bahamas Islands have flourished now. Many people living in Bahamas Islands are the descendants of slaves bought to work here. But they have now forgotten the history of the Bahamas Island and they live and enjoy their life as the citizens of this flourishing country.
Legends of The Bahama Island
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