Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine January 2020 | Page 32

South Eastern and Central Bahamas
San Salvador
History abounds on this island which is the place where Christopher Columbus landed in
1492. A white cross marks that spot today. Once called Guanahani by the Lucayan Indians
who were the original inhabitants, the island was renamed San Salvador after Columbus’
landing. This island is steeped in history. Plantations indicative of its colonial past lie in ruins,
and remnants of a great house, barns and slave quarters can still be seen. Home to about
1,000 people, visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, spectacular reefs, go fishing, sailing and of
course, explore!
South Eastern and Central Bahamas
Rum Cay
Indigenous people once called this island home. Cave drawings give credence to this and
so too are the artifacts that have been discovered here. It is believed that the arrival of
Christopher Columbus heralded the exit of the indigenous people, and this location became
a haven for pirates. One of the attractions for divers is the wreck of the warship, the HMS
Conqueror, which sank off Rum Cay in 1861. It is now an underwater museum. Much of the
island remains uninhabited with all of the residents living only in Port Antonio.
Rum Cay is located 20 miles (32 km) southwest of San Salvador.