The History of the Bahamas

When traveling to the Bahamas it helps to get a good sense of the history of the Bahamas. Over the years this nation has evolved into its own independent group. In fact, many of the dates in Bahamas history are highly revered, and a great tour of history can be taken when at the Bahamas.

The Bahamas are among the many islands that make up the archipelago. This is a settlement of hundreds of islands and cays that were populated by all sorts of different people in history. Indigenous people were well populating the area, but English settlers, Spanish explorers and Americans from the nearby United States would also live here. However, not everything here was friendly between all of these people, as there were instances of piracy and other activities that were dangerous through the history of the land.

The indigenous people of the Bahamas were originally from Cuba. They lived on the area beginning at around the fourth century. Some historians believe that these indigenous residents were originally from South America though.

In the tenth century the Arawaks, Caribs and Lucayans moved to the Bahamas Island. This was a move that was especially important for the Lucayans because they became more experienced in agriculture and craftsmanship at the time. This was very important for the building of the civilization.

As the Europeans looked to find western routes through the world the life of the Lucayans was significantly damaged. Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus made an impact when he landed on the western part of the Bahamas during one of his many travels.

English settlers went to the Bahamas in the seventeenth century. They settled in the area in the hopes of achieving freedom of religion. However, it was difficult among these people in that fighting and starvation was happening around the land when they first came to the Bahamas.

In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries pirates came around the Bahamas. Edward Teach, who was better known as Blackbeard, was the most famous of the pirates. These people used Nassau as a major base for their works but Spanish forces burned into the revolution throughout this time.

The United States did make an impact on the history of the country too. In the late eighteenth century the growing country had helped the economy and life of the people on the land.

In 1969 the Bahamas would become an official nation. It would become an independent nation on July 10, 1973.

When traveling to the Bahamas it is great to get a good idea of the history of the Bahamas. Not only can it help with planning a great historical tour but it also helps to give a greater appreciation to the land.