City/Settlement: Cockburn Town

Location: Easternmost island of The Islands Of The Bahamas

Size: 12 miles long and five miles wide

Population: Approximately 1,000

      Images Courtesy of: Bahamas Tourist Office The island’s several name changes are a reflection of its deep historical past. The Lucayan Indians, an indigenous Arawak tribe, initially named the island Guanahani which meant “welcome” in Arawak. Then, in 1492, Columbus made his first landfall in the New World on the island. He named it San Salvador or “Holy Saviour,” which he noted in his travel journal, and described it saying “the beauty of these islands surpasses that of any other and as much as the day surpasses the night in splendor.” Today, four separate monuments mark the exact spots where he came ashore, although it is generally regarded that he landed at Long Bay where a large stone cross stands. However, in the 17th century British Pirate Captain George Watling took over the island, making it his headquarters and named it Watling Island, after himself. The island retained this name until 1925 when it was then renamed San Salvador. San Salvador is dotted with monuments, ruins and wreck sites, all illuminating its history. Besides lounging on secluded beaches, basking in sunshine and diving, snorkeling and fishing in clear waters, guests to the island enjoy touring the old plantation ruins, climbing to the top of the old kerosene-operated lighthouse, and exploring the archeological site of the Lucayan Indians.

Bahamasair (800-222-4262)
has flights six days a week from Nassau to the Island.

• Club Med Columbus Isle (888-932-2582)
• Riding Rock Inn Resort & Marina (800-272-1492)

Built in 1887 on a former plantation owned by John Dixon, this 400,000 candle powered lighthouse has a visibility of 19 miles. Standing 163 feet above sea level, it maintains four-hour watches nightly, giving a double flash every 10 seconds. This kerosene lit, hand-operated lighthouse is the last of its type in The Islands Of The Bahamas. Located at Cockburn Town, the Museum is housed in a 1910 building formerly used as the government’s administrative offices and jail. This traditional museum contains many important artifacts and a display on the life of Christopher Columbus. Columbus referred to Cut Cay (the island that is not an island) in his journal. It is the small island across a shallow channel off North Point. At low tide, one can wade across to Cut Cay. Columbus believed that it would be a good site for a fortress. Watling’s Castle, the ruins of a late 18th century Loyalist plantation house, was named after George Watling, a buccaneer who frequented the place. The substantial ruins at Sandy Point, including the three storey “Great House,” kitchen, slave quarters, barns and boundary walls, were studied by the Bahamian Field Station, a center for academic research in archeology, biology, geology and marine sciences. The Lookout Tower, which overlooks French Bay, has been restored. Mr. Burton Williams, a Loyalist, maintained a cottage plantation at Fortune Hill in the late 1780s. The ruins of the “Great House” and slave quarters are still located here. The Landfall Park (at the Long Bay Site), a 10-acre site rich in archaeological artifacts, is the first landfall site of Christopher Columbus in the “New World.” On Oct. 12,1492, after 33 days at sea, it is widely believed that Columbus landed at beautiful Fernandez Bay (Long Bay). A simple white cross, erected in 1956 by Mrs. Ruth D. Wolper, commemorates the historic event. Also on this site is the Mexican Monument which housed the Olympic flame in 1968 on its journey from Greece to Mexico City. U.S. currency is accepted and is interchangeable with the Bahamian dollar. In September through May, the temperature on the Island averages 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit; the rest of the year is warmer, with temperatures between 80 and 85 degrees. Nighttime temperatures are generally cooler by 5-7 degrees. All U.S. citizens and foreign nationals traveling to/from the United States to/from The Bahamas are required to present a valid passport, passport card or WHTI-compliant document to re-enter the United States. All Canadian citizens traveling to/from Canada to/from The Bahamas are required to present either a valid passport, an official birth certificate or an original naturalization/citizenship certificate. For more information please visit Bahamas.com.