What is the history of Mayaguana Island?
Monument near Abraham's Bay, commemorating the landing of the nose cone from a Thor missile, one of the early rockets sent into space in 1959. – Bahamas Ministry of Toursim Origin of the Name: Mayaguana is the only island in The Bahamas that is still called by its original Lucayan name, which is said to mean "Lesser Midwestern Land."
How many people live in Mayaguana?
Today, it’s home to just 300 locals who live in three main settlements—Abraham's Bay, Pirate's Well, and Betsy Bay. The villages are quaint, rustic and located no more than 15 minutes from each other, making Mayaguana a very close-knit community. Most residents make a living by fishing for conch and farming the land.
Is Mayaguana the best island in the Bahamas?
More isolated and less developed than any other island in The Bahamas, Mayaguana is the ideal getaway for travellers seeking a secluded escape. Whether it’s a footprint-free beach or a far-off fishing spot, the island is the perfect blend of solitude and charm.
What does Mayaguana mean in English?
Origin of the Name: Mayaguana is the only island in The Bahamas that is still called by its original Lucayan name, which is said to mean "Lesser Midwestern Land." 3D Tip: Tilt or rotate by holding down the control key, secondary mouse button, or two fingers (on a touch screen) and dragging.
What is Mayaguana Bahamas known for?
Mayaguana is known for its fertile soil, which is good for farming, and its woody terrain. Bahamian dry forests' hardwoods, common lignum-vitae (Guaiacum officinale), and holywood lignum-vitae (G. sanctum) can be found throughout the island. The island is home to several government nature reserves.
Is Mayaguana in The Bahamas?
Mayaguana is the only island in The Bahamas that conserves its original Arawak name.
What is the capital of Crooked Island?
Colonel HillThe island's capital is Colonel Hill where government offices are located. South of Pitt's Town is Landrail Point, a good anchorage, and home of an ancient plantation ruin called Hope House. Acklins forms the eastern side of the Crooked Island triangle, with many bays and caves along the coast.
Is The Bahamas a Commonwealth country?
Formerly a British colony, The Bahamas became an independent country within the Commonwealth in 1973.
How do you pronounce Mayaguana?
Mayaguana (pronounced May-guana) is the most southeasterly, least developed, and most unspoiled of the Bahamas' inhabited islands.
Who owns Inagua island?
Through the efforts of the Audubon Society and other conservationists, the Bahamian government created Inagua National Park in 1965. The Nixons were retained as wardens. Today this 183,740-acre wildlife sanctuary covers more than half the island. Birds dominate the park, and flamingos are the stars.
What is the main settlement of Andros?
Fresh CreekMost of the settlements on Andros are located on the eastern coast, with more than half the population centralized in 3 main towns: Nicholl's Town, Andros Town (aka Fresh Creek), and Congo Town. The island's western coast is still largely uninhabited with one key settlement called Red Bays.
What is the main settlement of Acklins?
Albert Town, its main settlement, is now sparsely populated though it was once a prosperous little town. It was engaged in the sponge and salt industries and also served as a port from which stevedores were engaged to serve on the German, American and Dutch boats which then travelled to South America and the Caribbean.
Is Crooked Island real?
Islands ofUnspoiled Beauty. Acklins & Crooked Island remain almost as natural today as they were hundreds of years ago. Separated by a 500-square-mile lagoon known as the Bight of Acklins, both islands are a haven for boating, bonefishing, snorkeling, and diving.
What language is spoken in Bahamas?
EnglishThe Bahamas / Official languageWhile English is the official language of the Bahamas, locals speak with a Bahamian dialect that has birthed many unique slang words and phrases. Before your trip, you may want to familiarize yourself with the island lingo. Here are five of the most common phrases you'll hear around the Bahamas.
Who own The Bahamas?
Who owns the Bahamas & is it a U.S. Territory? The Bahamas is an independent country. It was formerly a British Territory for 325 years. It became independent in 1973 and joined the United Nations during the same year.
Are Bahamas safe?
Violent crime is extremely common in the Bahamas. The country is ridden with violent crime, and armed robberies, kidnappings, and murders are extremely common, usually not affecting tourists though violence towards foreigners has been on an increase during the past couple of years.
What is the capital of San Salvador in The Bahamas?
Cockburn TownThe island's capital, Cockburn Town, is located on the tranquil west coast of San Salvador. One of the most southeastern islands of The Bahamas, San Salvador is actually the exposed peak of a submerged mountain that rises 15,000 feet from the ocean floor.
What is Inagua known for?
Inagua—pristine and largely uninhabited, the southernmost island in The Bahamas. A paradise for bird watchers and ecotourists. Home to over 80,000 flamingos and 140 species of native and migratory birds, thanks to three National Parks.
What is the capital city of Inagua?
Matthew TownThe island's capital and only harbour is Matthew Town, named after George Matthew, a 19th-century Governor of the Bahamas.
How many settlements are in Mayaguana?
Mayaguana is one of the Bahamian islands which still retains its Arawak name. Its largest settlement is Abraham's Bay. There are two other substantial settlements, Betsy Bay on the coast in the east and Pirate's Well in the north. Mainly farmers and fishermen sparsely populate the island.
What are the natural habitats of Mayaguana?
It’s also the natural habitat for small endemic rock iguanas, and descendants of wild goats left behind by early settlers. The stretches of picturesque beaches on Mayaguana are perfect for picnicking, sunbathing, shelling, and strolling.
Where to crab crabs in Mayaguana?
Located 10 miles east of Abraham's Bay, Horse Pond Beach is known to locals as an excellent spot for crabbing—hunting for land crabs hiding in crevices of limestone rocks.
What is the name of the only island in the Bahamas that conserves its original name?
The Highlights Arawak By Name. Mayaguana is the only island in The Bahamas that conserves its original Arawak name. Mayaguana is said to refer to a specific and endemic species of iguana. Learn More. The Highlights Booby Cay.
Is Mayaguana a good island?
More isolated and less developed than any other island in The Bahamas, Mayaguana is the ideal getaway for travellers seeking a secluded escape. Whether it’s a footprint-free beach or a far-off fishing spot, the island is the perfect blend of solitude and charm.
Can you snorkel in Mayaguana?
With unbelievable aquamarine water, you can snorkel just offshore to see coral heads, sand dollars, and starfish. The underwater world that surrounds Mayaguana is as healthy and untouched as you might expect. Dive offshore reefs in the 45-60 ft range, breathtaking walls and drop-offs, even a cave system.
Overview
Mayaguana is the easternmost island and district of The Bahamas. Its population was 277 in the 2010 census. It has an area of about 280 km (110 sq mi).
About 100 km (62 mi) north of Great Inagua and 560 km (350 mi) southeast of the capital Nassau, Mayaguana is considered the halfway point between South Florida and Puerto Rico and is about 830 km (520 mi) off Palm Beach, Florida. I…
History
Mayaguana was inhabited by Lucayans prior to the arrival of the Spanish following 1492. After the last of the Lucayans were carried off to Hispaniola by the Spanish early in the 16th century, the island remained uninhabited until 1812, when people began to migrate from the Turks and Caicos Islands, which are located about 100 km (62 mi) southeast.
The Brazilian historian Francisco Adolfo de Varnhagen suggested in 1824 that Mayaguana is Guan…
People
The largest settlement is Abraham's Bay (pop. 143) on the south coast; other settlements are the neighboring towns of Betsy Bay (pop. 44) and Pirate's Well (pop. 90) in the northwest with the population slowly decreasing. The uninhabited areas of Upper Point (north shore), Northeast Point, and Southeast Point are largely inaccessible by road.
Culture
In 2016, Mayaguana held its first annual regatta festival called the All Mayaguana Regatta. The festival focuses on the sailing competition, food, arts and music. Conchfest is also held as a replacement for the Abraham's Bay Homecoming in early August.
The least developed Bahamian island, Mayaguana has never really seen major growth largely due to the government taking little interest in the economy. However, the government has provided s…
Food
Mayaguana is known for fresh sea food. Sea life regularly caught for commercial purposes include conch, grouper, spiny lobster, snappers and tuna. Marlin and bone fish found in Bahamian waters are fished for sporting activities only.
Environment
Mayaguana is known for its fertile soil, which is good for farming, and its woody terrain. Bahamian dry forests' hardwoods, common lignum-vitae (Guaiacum officinale), and holywood lignum-vitae (G. sanctum) can be found throughout the island. The island is home to several government nature reserves.
As the southeasternmost island in the Bahamian Commonwealth, Mayaguana is bordered to its …
Tourism
Mayaguana remains one of the most pristine and untouched islands in the Bahamas. Yet the island – home to beautiful beaches, unique wildlife and world-class fishing – has never fully reached its development potential. Most tourists who visit, do so for the unspoiled essence of the island. Visitors can also enjoy scuba diving, bonefishing, snorkeling, white crown pigeon hunting and bird watching. The eastern part of the island is a popular area for persons who are interest…
Further reading
• Stark, James H. (1891). Stark's History and Guide to the Bahama Islands. Boston: Boston Photo Electrotype Co. p. 159. OCLC 1071967476.