- Cat Island (Bahamas)
Cat Island is in the central
Bahamas , and one of its districts, and boasts the nation's highest point. ItsMount Alvernia rises to 206 ft (63 m) and is topped by amonastery called "The Hermitage".The first
Europe an settlers were Loyalists fleeing theAmerican Revolution , who arrived in1783 . The island may have been named after Arthur Catt, apirate , or the name may refer to its one-time large population offeral cat s.Fact|date=February 2007Historically, the island gained wealth from
cotton plantations, butslash and burn farming is now the main way of life for Cat Islanders. An economic crop iscascarilla bark, which is gathered and shipped toItaly where it becomes a main ingredient in medicines, scents andCampari .The population of Cat Island is 1,647 (2000 census). The main settlements are
Arthur's Town (childhood home ofSidney Poitier ),Orange Creek , andPort Howe . Cat Island was also the birthplace of famed Bahamian musicianTony McKay , better known as Exuma.Until written accounts were found, Cat Island was thought to be
Guanahani or San Salvador, the first islandChristopher Columbus reached when he discoveredthe Americas .New Bight Airport andArthur's Town Airport serve the island.Landmarks
At the top of 206ft Como Hill is Mt. Alvernia Hermitage on
Mount Alvernia , the highest point in The Bahamas. This small stone monastery built by hand by the architect hermit, Father Jerome, is at the peak and is worth the trek up this steep rocking incline, as well as the awe inspiring view.Just south of the Hermitage are the ruins of
Armbrister Plantation .Armbrister Creek flows into a clear lake called “Boiling Point” or “Boiling Hole” whose tidal conditions cause bubbles and burps, the conditions which lead to folklore of a sea monster below its surface. Today, this is a great spot to spy rays and baby sharks and numerous birds that nest along its mangrove fringe.
Located in
Bain Town is another lake. This 65ft wide 10 ft deep lake called Mermaid Hole is where many believe aMermaid lives amongst the 4 bed holes within that lead to underground caverns and passageways.The monster said to live in Big Blue Hole located near Orange Creek, just off of Dickies Road is said to devour horses. This deep blue hole has strong undersea currents that flow through its caverns linking to the sea, where many objects like dead farm animals tossed into the lake ended up. This folklore still scares local fisherman from venturing too far in this freshwater lake.
Dickie’s Road goes east to Griffin Bat Cave, once a hideout for slaves.
Sitting atop a ridge along side the road in the settlement of Old Bight is
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church another beautifully crafted legacy built by Father Jerome, with amazing frescos, engravings and sculptures.In the
Port Howe area of Cat Island, are the ruins of an 18th-century plantation atDeveaux House mansion. In its glory days it was given to Colonel Andrew Deveaux in 1783 for protecting Nassau from Spanish invasion and occupation.Learn about the island’s history at Columbus World Centre Museum in Knowles, or visit the childhood home of Sir Sidney Poitier, Academy Award winner, in South Bight.
Places
*
Arthur's Town External links
External links
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.