THE BAHAMAS
History | Food & Drink | Sports & Recreation | Sightseeing

The Bahama's History
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The Bahamas claim the distinction of being Christopher Columbus' first New World discovery. In 1492 he stepped ashore on the island of San Salvador. The Arawak Indians, who then populated the island, were sent by the Spaniards to labor in the mines and sugar fields of Cuba. However, the Spaniards did not settle here and in 1629, King Charles I of England granted the islands to Sir Robert Heath, attorney general of England. A group of English merchants and pioneers looking for religious freedom went from Bermuda to the Bahamas. This attempt at colonization and other settlements were unsuccessful. As a result, pirates soon overran The Bahamas.

Another wave of immigration occurred after the American Revolution, when Loyalist refugees fled to The Bahamas, taking their slaves with them. England ruled until 1782, when Spain captured the islands; however the Treaty of Versaillles returned them to England once again in 1783.

Throughout The Bahamas turbulent history their strategically positioned cays and islets played a vital role in international intrigues. Not only were The Bahamas a formidable hideout for pirates, but Confederate blockade runners during the American Civil War and bootleggers during America's Prohibition Era also exploited the islands' proximity to Florida in effort s to smuggle contraband in to the United States.

From 1718 to 1969 a governor was appointed by the British Crown; after 1969 the appointment was made in consultation with the Bahamas Government. On July 10, 1973, the islands became an independent sovereign nation headed by a prime minister. Now a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations, the islands retain many legacies from the years of British rule, including the distinctive Bahamian accent, and two popular spectator sports - cricket and rugby.

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The Bahama's Food & Drink
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With the exception of fruit, vegetables and fish, most food is imported. Most restaurants and hotels feature a wide variety of cuisine. Bahamian specialties should not be overlooked. Street vendors provide an array of specialties including raw conch salad.

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The Bahama's Sports & Recreation
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Local and international yachting regattas, golf and tennis tournaments, cricket, rugby and squash are only a few of the activities available in The Bahamas. The numerous coves along the beaches create natural pools ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Paradise Island boasts of one of the best beaches for sunbathing.

Swimming, para-sailing, sailing, fishing, water skiing, wind surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and spear fishing are just some of the water activities that you can enjoy. Those who enjoy indoor sports will find bowling alleys, casinos, and nightclubs.

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The Bahama's Sightseeing
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Grand Bahama Island

Only 50 miles east of Florida, Grand Bahama is a major tourist destination. The fourth largest island of the group, Grand Bahama is known for excellent bonefishing, reef, and deep-sea fishing. Grand Bahama's hotels, Princess Casino and other nightspots have earned it the title of "New World Rivera."

Visit the cities of Freeport and Lucaya, which offer shopping, and other sports, and recreations listed above.

Nassau

Capital and principal city of The Bahamas. There is always plenty to do in downtown Nassau: sightseeing by horse-drawn carriage, photographing the colorful buildings, dining and dancing or duty-free shopping. The focal point of Nassau is Bay Street, dominated by Parliament Square. Also in the square are the Garden of Remembrance, with its cenotaph honoring Bahamians who died in WWI and WWII. A colorful changing of the guard ceremony takes place every other Saturday at the Government House, and hosts tea parties the last Friday of each month from January to August.

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