LONG ISLAND BAHAMAS, HISTORY Long Island's name says it all. It is a very long island extending about 76 miles, but only a mere 4 miles wide at its widest point. Queen's Highway runs for close to 80 miles, through about a dozen or more main settlements. It is a very tranquil, unspoiled and breathtakingly scenic island divided by the Tropic of Cancer. One of the most unique features of Long Island is its two very different coast lines – the eastern side features miles of powdery white beaches, while the western side features a rocky coast line with a few beaches here and there. Keep in mind that everyone of these beaches are very beautiful whether it be east or west and the water is a number of contrasts in different areas with dreamy colors. The coast and surrounding cays offer reefs and caves for bonefishing, diving, snorkeling and exploring by boat. There are some historic churches and plantation ruins to tour as well, and hiking, tennis and biking are also popular activities. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long Island is historically known to be one of Columbus' early stops, his third, after San Salvador and Rum Cay. The native Indians called it "Yuma" and Columbus named it "Fernandina" after his mentor in Spain. Columbus' Point, located 1/2 mile north of the primary beach resort in Cape Santa Maria, offers a tremendous view of the protected harbor Columbus sailed into as well as a monument and plaque commemorating his landing. He saw this island as he headed west in October, 1492. In his log he described 150-foot high cliffs, waves crashing on eastern beaches, miles of uninterrupted white sand, and green foliage filling the air with “the scent of flowers and trees, delicious and sweet...the most delightful island in the world.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loyalists from Carolina settled here in 1790 with their slaves. They built vast plantations, which thrived briefly growing sea-island cotton, but the abolition of slavery made them unprofitable. Today many of the Loyalist mansions stand in skeletal form etched against the sky. The plantations are no more and now the majority of people fish or do construction work. Many Long Islanders engage in fishing (the primary source of income here), which involves venturing out to sea for 1-2 weeks on big boats equipped like floating houses and each day going out in smaller personal boats diving and spearing lobsters and/or fish. Then after 2 weeks or less they come back to the island with their catch and sell it to the local fish buyers who supply lobsters and fish to the world's market. My dad has personally been fishing for about 32 years and is still going strong, so fishing is a big part of our lives here. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More than a century ago, settlers built a good carriage road running the island's entire length. This was an island that understood that commerce and development are fueled by good connections. On this road you will find the main settlements, situated around the harbors and anchorages--from north to south, Seymour's, Burnt Ground, Stella Maris, Simms, Millers, Salt Pond, Grays, Deadman’s Cay (the biggest settlement), Cartwright’s, Mangrove Bush, Pettys, Hamilton's, Clarence Town (the second largest settlement and the capitol), Miley, Roses and a few more going south. The island is also a favorite stop for divers, fishermen and yachtsmen. The town of Stella Maris in the north is popular with scuba-diving enthusiasts and known for it’s popular resort Stella Maris Resort Club. The Cape is world renown for it’s extremely beautiful beach that is listed in the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world and the resort is small but very quiet, relaxing and definitely has a unique island theme. These two resorts are the main resorts on the island and they’re surely all you need to stay on this paradise of an island. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Salt Pond my hometown is famously known as the permanent location of the regatta site that hosts Long Island's Annual Regatta featuring home made sail boats built from the ground up right here competing for prizes and money. This event takes place all around the islands of the Bahamas and about 95% of the boats that participate are built right here on good old LI. Long Island Regatta sees some 30 to 40 sailing sloops from throughout The Bahamas compete in a number of different classes for trophies and cash prizes. Onshore entertainment consists of indigenous "rake and scrap" music, sporting activities, and the sale of native food -- all taking place in a carnival-like atmosphere. All this happens in the month of May and sometime the first of June. Check it out one of these days == You'll love it!! SOURCE: www.longislandishere.com