Acklins/Crooked Island sits about 223 miles southeast of Nassau/Paradise Island. Together, Acklins and Crooked Island form an area of approximately 200 square miles that hugs the waters of the Bight of Acklins. Nearby, a narrow sea passage known as the Crooked Island Passage serves as an important route for steamships traveling on a southern routemostly to Central and South America.
Acklins Island lies at the southeastern section of The Islands Of The Bahamas chain. This lesser known island covers 92 sq. miles and is only four miles at its widest point. There are a number of high hills, the highest point on the land being 141 feet. It has many unusual rock formations, beautiful beaches, and varied plant and animal life. The population is scarce, declining steadily from 1,561 in 1901 to 428 in 2000 as inhabitants migrate to New Providence for economic reasons.
The largest settlement is Salina Point (population 129). Lovely Bay (population 41) used to be separated from Acklins, but is now connected by a land bridge.
Visitors will find truly memorable bone fishing, deep-sea fishing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing, and theyll be refreshingly on their own in their enjoyment. If you love being surrounded by tropical birds, rolling hills, and a coastline with hidden coves and tiny, colourful villages, you should consider adding Acklins Island to your vacation plans.
Crooked Island (together with Long Cay) forms the northwest part of the atoll system. Colonel Hill is the capital of Crooked Island and the location for most of the island's activity. Every Friday night you can dance at the Bloom of The Valley Bar or simply enjoy your favourite island beverage at The Tiger Barthe island's first drinking establishment. Other towns include Cripple Hill, True Blue, French Wells, and Gun Point.
American Loyalists first settled here in 1783, bringing with them slaves and money to start a short-lived cotton industry. At the turn of the 19th century, around 50 island plantations were in existence, and hundreds of slaves worked the fields. As the Blight in the 1820's destroyed most of the plantations, the islands soon became uneconomical. Today, most of the natives income comes from fishing and simple farming.
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