Eleuthera’s History and Demographics

Population:    8,114 
Size:     110 Miles long, 200 Sq. miles in total 
Highest Point:    168 Ft. 
Location:    Lat. N25 10' 00" - Long. W76 15' 00" 
Distance from Nassau:  60 miles east 
Distance from Miami:   240 miles southeast

History 

Over three hundred years ago in 1647, a small band of English pilgrims seeking religious freedom set sail from Bermuda for warmer climates in the south. Several weeks later, they ship wrecked on the reefs of the uninhabited Arawak Island of Cigatoo. It was here that the thankful survivors renamed the island Eleuthera, the Greek word for “freedom” . Lead by their former Governor “William Sayles” in 1648, the followers journeyed south on the island to a beautiful and quiet harbor on the Caribbean coast named Cupid’s Cay. As with many new ventures, arguments arose about basic survival needs and many left. Some went back to Bermuda to beg forgiveness of the King and resume their lives. Other than seafood, the island lacked natural resources. The rocky terrain made crop cultivation difficult, and the scarcity of basics such as food, water, clothing and adequate shelter caused bickering that soon divided the new settlement. Others followed William Sayles to New Providence.

Today 

Breathtakingly beautiful, Eleuthera is 110 miles of deserted beaches, high elevations, long forgotten pineapple plantations, and views that stretch to eternity. Rich history along with century old churches, antique homes, and serene colonial settlements in sun-drenched pastel colors. Beneath the shimmering turquoise waters are a diver’s delight with an abundance of brilliantly colored fish. In the evening the is sky saturated with stars. There are two companion islands next to Eluthera named Harbour Island and Spanish Wells. 

Eleuthera’s close proximity to the southeast United States combined with its unbridled beauty and seemingly remoteness, makes it a lush, tropical, private, and very exclusive haven. Starting in the 1960s Eleuthera has been a popular destination for British royalty and celebrities. A couple of places people like to visit are The Rock Sound Club founded by Arthur Vinning Davis (ARVIDA) and The Cotton Bay Club formerly owned by Juan Trippe the CEO of Pan American Airlines.  Today Eleuthera  is quietly being rediscovered while it’s citizens are steadfastly preserving its authenticity and history. Some travel destinations are over developed and loose there sense of simplicity and uniqueness. Eleuthera offers it’s guests and visitors a place to escape from the ordinary resort vacation and tourist traps.