Spanish Wells
Encyclopedia
Spanish Wells is one of the districts
of the Bahamas.
Spanish Wells is a small island (about half a mile wide by two miles long) located approximately one mile off the northern tip of Eleuthera
island. It has a population of approximately 1,500 residents. It is so small that many residents get around the island using golf carts instead of full-sized cars. Historically, the island was used as a last stop for Spanish ships returning to Europe, where these ships refilled their water supply from wells created for this purpose - thus the English name of the settlement: Spanish Wells.
The first colonists were the Eleutheran adventurers from Bermuda (intending to be some of the first settlers of Eleuthera), who suffered shipwreck on a reef, known as the "Devil's Backbone" off Eleuthera in 1647. After living in a cave known as "Preacher's Cave" on Eleuthera, they ended up at Spanish Wells. Among other, later, groups of settlers were Crown loyalist
s, who left the United States after the American Revolutionary War.
Currently, (2006) Spanish Wells is a center for lobster fishing in the Bahamas. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Spanish Wells served as a transshipment point for illicit recreational pharmaceutical products, being shipped from South America to North America.
The area suffered extensive property damage during a direct hit from Hurricane Andrew
in 1992 and Floyd
in 1999.
Lately there is much concern over the introduction of non-native species of Lionfish
to the waters the Bahamas. These interlopers, who have no natural predators, are killing the fish that are the main source of income for the islands fishing industry. They have become the source of some frustration for Spanish Wells and other Bahamian fishermen. Resorts, such as the Atlantis Paradise Island
resort, are considered possibly responsible for the release of Lionfish eggs into the sea, which then were carried on currents throughout the Bahamas. No one has officially been named responsible for the appearance of the killer fish, however.
Districts of the Bahamas
Local government in the Bahamas exists in two forms, namely second-schedule and third-schedule district councils. There are a total of 32 local government districts: 13 second-schedule districts, which are further sub-divided into town areas, and 19 third-schedule districts, which are all unitary...
of the Bahamas.
Spanish Wells is a small island (about half a mile wide by two miles long) located approximately one mile off the northern tip of Eleuthera
Eleuthera
Eleuthera is an island in The Bahamas, lying 50 miles east of Nassau. It is very long and thin—110 miles long and in places little more than a mile wide. According to the 2000 Census, the population of Eleuthera is approximately 8,000...
island. It has a population of approximately 1,500 residents. It is so small that many residents get around the island using golf carts instead of full-sized cars. Historically, the island was used as a last stop for Spanish ships returning to Europe, where these ships refilled their water supply from wells created for this purpose - thus the English name of the settlement: Spanish Wells.
The first colonists were the Eleutheran adventurers from Bermuda (intending to be some of the first settlers of Eleuthera), who suffered shipwreck on a reef, known as the "Devil's Backbone" off Eleuthera in 1647. After living in a cave known as "Preacher's Cave" on Eleuthera, they ended up at Spanish Wells. Among other, later, groups of settlers were Crown loyalist
Loyalist (American Revolution)
Loyalists were American colonists who remained loyal to the Kingdom of Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War. At the time they were often called Tories, Royalists, or King's Men. They were opposed by the Patriots, those who supported the revolution...
s, who left the United States after the American Revolutionary War.
Currently, (2006) Spanish Wells is a center for lobster fishing in the Bahamas. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Spanish Wells served as a transshipment point for illicit recreational pharmaceutical products, being shipped from South America to North America.
The area suffered extensive property damage during a direct hit from Hurricane Andrew
Hurricane Andrew
Hurricane Andrew was the third Category 5 hurricane to make landfall in the United States, after the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 and Hurricane Camille in 1969. Andrew was the first named storm and only major hurricane of the otherwise inactive 1992 Atlantic hurricane season...
in 1992 and Floyd
Hurricane Floyd
Hurricane Floyd was the sixth named storm, fourth hurricane, and third major hurricane in the 1999 Atlantic hurricane season. Floyd triggered the third largest evacuation in US history when 2.6 million coastal residents of five states were ordered from their homes as it approached...
in 1999.
Lately there is much concern over the introduction of non-native species of Lionfish
Lionfish
Lionfish may refer to:* genus Pterois, collectively known as the lionfish* Red Lionfish , a significant invasive species off the East Coast of North America and in the Caribbean-Fish:...
to the waters the Bahamas. These interlopers, who have no natural predators, are killing the fish that are the main source of income for the islands fishing industry. They have become the source of some frustration for Spanish Wells and other Bahamian fishermen. Resorts, such as the Atlantis Paradise Island
Atlantis Paradise Island
The Atlantis Paradise Island is a resort and waterpark located on Paradise Island, The Bahamas. Officially opened in 1998, the resort was created by South African hotel magnate Sol Kerzner and Kerzner International Limited. Paradise Island first opened its Coral and Beach Towers as the Trump...
resort, are considered possibly responsible for the release of Lionfish eggs into the sea, which then were carried on currents throughout the Bahamas. No one has officially been named responsible for the appearance of the killer fish, however.