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History
Original inhabitants of the Abaco Islands were Lucayan Indians. "Island Men" is the Arawak translation for the world Lucayan. The next " Island Man" to arrive was Christopher Columbus and other European explorers soon followed. According to Columbus's logbooks, the Lucayans were unbelievably generous, healthy and happy. Unfortunately, the Spanish eventually decimated the native Indian population by capturing them for slaves as well as introducing fatal diseases. It was from the Spanish "baja mars" or shallow seas, that the Bahamas was named. |
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The next inhabitants, pirates, utilized the Abaco Islands' many hidden coves and nearby shipping lanes. Tradition claims they gave some of our Abaco islands their names. Matt Lowe was an 18th century turtler, wrecker and sometime pirate and undoubtedly treasure was discovered on his island, Matt Lowe's Cay. There is a popular play in Key West called Matt Lowe and Miss Ruby about his life and times. Tilloo Cay was named after Capt. Jack Tallo, an infamous pirate from England. Treasure uncovered on nearby Pelican Cay was rumored to be his.
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Legend has it that Lubber's Quarters was named because in British slang, a "lubber" is an inexperienced or clumsy sailor. When the pirates set sail to pillage and plunder, the women and children were left on this one and one-half mile long island. Still another version of the naming was that the island was inhabited by "Wolf Seals" or "Lobos" - must have been a Spanish pirate . Another story is that a Pirate named Lobos also headquartered himself on the southern end high cliffs. "Lobos quarters to Lubber's Quarters" - if only these pirates would have kept more accurate ledgers.
The first real colonization of Hope Town occurred when the sailing schooner "Hope" was commissioned by King George III to transport loyal British subjects from the newly independent American colonies. Wyannie Malone was said to be aboard.
Wyannie is hailed as the founder of Hope Town and undoubtedly she must have had blonde hair and blue eyes, as Abaco women are famous for their fair coloring. Captains sailed from all over to seek an Abaconian bride. " The women are kind spirits... generous of nature and blessed with beauty..." according to one 18th century captain's log. |
The world's third largest barrier reef lays just offshore-hence the construction of Elbow Cay Reef Lighthouse, in 1864, and Hole-in-the Wall Lighthouse a few years earlier. Both were built by the Imperial Lighthouse Service by orders of the British Monarchy - too many British ships were going down. In fact, while the Hope Town lighthouse was being constructed, an inspector from the Imperial Lighthouse Service wrote back to England that in fact it was "the right location to build a lighthouse for I can see six wrecks on the reef."
With modern navigation and proper charts the reef has become less of a danger and more of a help. The reef provides protection for the Atlantic Ocean sand beaches and provides rich breeding grounds for an abundance of sea life. The ocean drop off is but a few miles off shore, so the more serious big game fisherman can pursue the bounty of the sea in just a brief boat ride. |
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Great Britain granted the islands self-goverment in 1964 and changed their status from colony to Commonwealth in 1969. In 1973, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas became independent within the Commonwealth of Nations, but retained Queen Elizabeth II as constitutional head of state. Chris's father, Leonard M. Thompson had unsuccessfully petitioned the Queen prior to independence to allow Abaco to stay a loyal British colony.
Historian Steve Dodge, an expert on Abaco history, claims Abaconians developed their own distinct society, as they could not participate easily in the world beyond their watery horizons. The Abaco lifestyle is reminiscent of yesteryear but boasts the latest technology. Coupled with its natural beauty, this makes Abaco the perfect location for a holiday home or retirement residence. |
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| The Abaconians appreciate what God has given them and they are working hard to protect both the natural beauty and the historic villages. Both Green Turtle Cay and Hope Town have museums. There are national parks on the land and under the sea. The Abaco parrot is protected, and there are now seasons for lobster and grouper, and size and quantities limits for them as well as for conch, dolphin, wahoo, etc. |
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