The Bahamas has a unique history. Its occupants have included ethnic groups such as Arawak Indians, Spanish discoverers, English loyalists and African slaves. The following dates give us a timeline interpretation of how the Bahamas' history has changed over the last several hundred years.
Before 9th Century
It is believed that the original inhabitants of The Bahamas were Aborigines of Mongol descent. Their migration took place during the transition period from the Old World to the New.
The Lucayan (Arawak) Indians
The Lucayan Indians are the first recorded inhabitants of The Bahamas. They came to the islands around the 9th century. Although these Indians did not leave a written history to verify their residence on the islands, they did leave pottery, drawings, and tools that give some insight into their lives. The word 'Lucayan' comes from 'Lukku-Cairi', meaning 'Island People.'
Christopher Columbus
Remembered as a 'hero' by many history books, Christopher Columbus first 'discovered' the Bahama Islands in 1492. Columbus' first landfall was on the island of Guanahani, which he later renamed 'San Salvador', meaning 'Holy Savior'. After seeing the productivity and skills of the Lucayans, the Spanish discoveries after Columbus enslaved the population of about 40,000 Indians, which in turn ended their existence.
Eleutheran Adventurers
In 1648, a group of English Puritans (known as the 'Eleutheran Adventurers') founded the first New Republic in The Bahamas. The group's quest was to develop the depopulated Bahama Islands into a country in which they could have religious freedom. The first island the Adventurers inhibited was Cigatoo, later renamed Eleuthera or 'Freedom'.
Era of Pirates
Piracy in the Bahamas was at its height from the late 1600s to the early 1700's. Such infamous names as Henry Morgan and Blackbeard used the islands to seize treasuries from unsuspecting ships. The reign of terror lasted for approximately fifty years; until Captain Woodes Rogers took over the country. Captain Rogers, made the country's first Royal Governor in 1717, cleaned up the Bahamas and ran the pirates.
The Loyalists
In the 18th century Britain recognized the Bahamas as a colony. Although there were minor revolts against the British, the Bahamas remained a colony. In 1783 there was another influx of British loyalists to the Bahamas. This influx was comprised of British loyalists who fled the United States during its revolution. These loyalists brought their African slaves with them; with the descendents of these slaves presently making up the majority of the Bahamian population.
Abolition of Slavery
In 1838 slavery was fully abolished by the British Empire. The African descent slaves were given the 'freedom' to pursue the lifestyles they wished. Britain, however, still remained in charge of the colony.
The American Civil War and Prohibition Periods
Both periods in history brought prosperity to the Bahamas. The American Civil War, which lasted from 1861-1865, brought great wealth to the Bahamas as a whole but especially to Nassau in particular. The capital city was a major supply base forth Confederacy. Guns would be sent from England and would be traded in Nassau, for cotton, food and clothes sent from the Southern American states.
Prohibition lasted from 1920-1932. Once again Nassau was a supply base as 'rum-runners' would carry alcoholic beverages into the U.S. in exchange for money.
Majority Rule
Although slavery in the Bahamas had been abolished since 1838, a white minority up until the middle-later part of the 20th century was still economically oppressing many black Bahamians. During this time many events and political changes were occurring. In 1956 the first official black opposition was formed, known as the Progressive Liberal Party. In 1962 the 'Universal Suffrage' was granted given Bahamian women the right the vote. In 1964, the Bahamas was granted internal self-government and Sir Roland Symonette was named the first Premier of the country. However, the greatest period Bahamian history came in 1967 when the Progressive Liberal Party won elections and blacks had majority rule for the first time. The first Bahamian Cabinet under majority rule was comprised of:
- Cecil Wallace-Whitfield
- Milo Butler
- Arthur Hanna
- Curtis McMillian
- Clement Maynard
- Lynden Pindling
- Clarence Bain
- Jeffrey Thompson
- Carleton Francis
- Randol Fawkes
- Warren Lavarity
Present
Presently the Bahamas has an estimated population of 295,000 with an annual growth rate of 1.7percent. The present governing body is the Free National Movement led by Prime Minister Hubert A Ingraham. The Governor General (Queen's representative) is Sir Orville Turnquest.
Approximately 75,000 Bahamians (half of the workforce) is employed in tourism, with offshore financial services employing close to 4,000 people. Other areas of employment include construction, manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries, and government sectors.