I copied this from the Amicus website. Katya did a nice job of summarizing the history of the Bahamas.
The Lucayan Arawak Indians were the first known inhabitants, the ones Columbus discovered on San Salvadore. Gentle, small, and friendly, they were tortured and massacred by the Spanish (who came after Columbus) to such lengths that there is not a single documented survivor. In fact the Spanish so decimated the islands that they were pretty empty for almost a century. A century later, Loyalists (supporting the crown of Great Britain) used the Bahamas to escape from the colonies before and after the American Revolution. Slaves of revolutionaries who had escaped (and were "freed" by the British) also sought refuge here. The Loyalists tried and failed southern-style plantations here, but a strong Loyalist (British) temperament remains, supposedly. (We haven’t seen this, except in a "sculpture garden" filled with busts of leading citizens of the Bahamas-90% white loyalists, all very "distinguished."). And when the Loyalists left, they often left their slaves here. Hence the majority black population which then farmed crops more friendly to this climate. However hurricanes keep flattening islands, discouraging long term population growth.
We left Nassau and crossed the Yellow Banks (black coral heads that you needed to dodge so needed somewhat calm seas) to Normans Cay (around 45 nm). The water colors and powder sand beaches are incredible. We saw a eagle and manta ray, plus lots of coral/fish life. We went to a few other islands — Shroud Cay provided a beautiful dinghy ride thru the mangrove creeks where we saw a few smaller sharks. You have to watch the tide as we have had to pull our dinghy across the banks and at times get our bodies stuck in the silty soft sand.
We are in Warderick Wells – Park headquarters of the Exuma Land and Sea Park. The park stretches 22 miles long and 8 miles wide including 15 islands. We are sorta traveling with Sea Otter, Rain and Pea Soup for now. Saltine and Scandia (folks from Mpls.) decided to stay in Nassau a couple more days. N/NE/E winds are gale force last couple days so waiting on mooring ball (no anchoring) @ $15/day till they settle down abit. Its a great place to hang as their is internet, hiking (with spectacular views), snorkeling and social with other boats. Rain/Us are sharing a internet connection charge @ $10/day (24 hours only). Its odd that they have it but they brought in sattelite so this park headquarters could communicate with Nassau. They don’t have water or accept garbage. So we will attempt to burn what we can.
We are getting the Abacos winter winds down here in the Exumas.
There are alot of Canadians down here. I understand its because they can retire earlier than us.
We are full with provisions/spirits from the states. It started feeling like I would never see a grocery store in several years!