Caribbean Tales - The Bahamas - San Salvador
San Salvador
12 x 6 miles at widest points. 200 miles southeast of Nassau. Christopher
Columbus made this tiny, 63-sq.-mile area, the most historically important
island of The Bahamas. This is believed to be the starting point of the second
greatest migration in human history. Most historians agree Christopher Columbus
landed first on this island before exploring Cuba, Hispaniola and other isles
he deemed part of the fabled Indies. He made first landfall here in 1492 and
no less than four separate monuments mark the exact spot where Columbus came
ashore, however, it is generally regarded that he landed at Long Bay
where a big stone cross stands. Called Guanahani by the native Lucayan Indians,
Columbus renamed the island San Salvador or "Holy Saviour," noting
in his journal,
"The beauty of these islands surpasses that of any other and as much as the day surpasses the night in splendour."
However, the island subsequently became the headquarters of
the buccaneer Captain George Watling and carried his name (Watling Island)
until 1925, reflecting his great influence. Watling's Castle is at Sandy Point,
southwest San Salvador. Watling is known as the Bahama Island's "pious
pirate". He would not allow his crew to play cards or indulge in piracy
during the Sabbath..
Areas include High Cay, Low Cay, and Middle Cay.
Cockburn Town (pronounced Co'burn) is the island's capital and main settlement.
A manually operated lighthouse was built by the British in 1856.