Abaco
| Geography |
|
|
| Location |
Atlantic Ocean |
| Archipelago |
Bahamas |
| Area |
1,681km2 |
| Country |
 Bahamas |
| Island |
Abaco |
| Largest city |
Marsh Harbour (pop. 5,728) |
| Demographics |
| Population |
14,100 (as of 2000) |
| Density |
8.4 /km2 (22 /sq mi) |
| Ethnic groups |
Blacks ~50%, Whites ~50% |
The Abaco Islands lie in the northern Bahamas and comprise the main islands of Great Abaco and Little Abaco, together with the smaller Wood Cay, Elbow Cay, Lubbers Quarters Cay, Green Turtle Cay, Great Guana Cay, Castaway Cay, Man-o-War Cay, Stranger's Cay, Umbrella Cay, Great Stirrup Cay, Walker's Cay, Moore's Island, and Sandy Point. Administratively, the Abaco Islands constitute five of the 31 Districts of the Bahamas: North Abaco, Central Abaco, South Abaco, Moore's Island, and Hope Town. Towns in the islands include Marsh Harbour, Hope Town, Treasure Cay, Coopers Town, and Cornishtown.
History
The Abaco Islands were first inhabited by the Lucayan. The first European settlers of the islands were Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution who arrived in 1783, as was also the case at Cat Island. These original Loyalist settlers made a modest living by salvaging wrecks, by building small wooden boats, and by basic farming.
Prior to the 1970s, a group of American businessmen, arms traffickers, supporters of free enterprise, a black agent of the information services, and a Member of Parliament of the British House of Lords planned the independence of Abaco, or that would have a UK dependency status similar to that of Anguilla. Abaco was to be a utopia for businessmen fearing socialism.
Propoesed Flag for an Independent Abaco
They would promise one acre (4,000 m²) to each of the natives on the island. This would have left thousands of acres for realtors and their financial backers. At least one flag was designed, combining the Hope Town Lighthouse with a Union Flag.
The British government had no interest in this scheme, which in any case would have been strongly opposed by the national government in Nassau. Finally, the locals did not support the plan, perhaps because unspoken racial issues are alleged to have mixed into it. In any event, the Abaco Independence Movement was quelled by 1975.
Demographics
The combined population of the islands is about 13 000, and the principal settlement and capital is Marsh Harbour. The ethnic make up is about 50% white and 50% black.
In addition to Marsh Harbour there are several other settlements on Great Abaco including Rocky Point, Cherokee Sound, Sandy Point, Winding Bay, Treasure Cay, Wilson City, Crossing Rock, Spring City, Little Harbour and Cooper's Town. Surrounding Great Abaco are several smaller islands know as Cays (pronounced key), many of which are popular with tourists visiting the islands. A few notable cays include Walker’s Cay, the Grand Cays, Green Turtle Cay, Hope Town, Moore’s Island, Castaways Cay, Great Guana Cay and Man-O-War Cay.
Real Estate
Abaco Is Unique
When one hears of the Abacos in the Bahamas, one is told of the many wonders of the climate, the beauty, the water, the serenity, the fishing, the water sports, the charming villages, the laid back life style, and the warm and friendly people. Yes, Abaco does have all these marvelous attributes, and is second to nowhere in the world. However, most tropical island paradises, from the Caribbean to the Pacific, have all of these things to one degree or another. Why, then, is Abaco unique? Abaco has three things that other island havens do not :
1. Proximity to the United States Mainland When one chooses to settle even part time in the islands, no matter how much they may love the lifestyle, they will periodically wish to visit the United States. They will want shopping, gourmet dining, theater and other culture, specialized medical services or whatever, which may not be available locally. From Abaco it is both relatively easy and inexpensive to travel to the U.S. It is only an hour and ten minute trip by one of the several daily scheduled airline flights, local charter carriers or by private airplane. For the yachtsman, it is a twenty-hour trip at ten knots, or a ten-hour trip at twenty knots.
2. The Sea of Abaco Between the Abaco mainland and the offshore Cays and barrier reef lies the Sea of Abaco. The area extends for 120 miles from Little Harbour in the south to Walker’s Cay in the north and averages four to five miles in width. It is shallow with an average water depth of ten to twelve feet. Throughout its length there are literally hundreds of quiet and often deserted bays, beaches, coves, creeks and anchorages to visit, relax, play in, and explore. There are a number of quaint settlements, each with its own distinctive character. The prevailing southeasterly breeze generally blows at 10-12 knots for good and safe sailing. The geography is diverse enough to be interesting, exciting and even challenging at times for the experienced yachtsman, yet, it is well protected so that the novice may enjoy it with safety. Yachtsmen with world wide experience agree that nowhere on earth is there another water sports area like the Sea of Abaco.
3. Security In Abaco, due to its population and relative size, there is very little crime. It is safe to walk the streets or beaches at any time of day or night. There are no neighborhoods to be avoided. Particularly in the Cays, it is very rare to lock one’s home except when leaving for an extended period of time. There are few areas anywhere that can claim the amount of personal safety and security as that found in Abaco.
Where to stay in Abaco
There are several areas and Cays to choose from in Abaco, each with their own personal style. Private home rentals are a major source of accommodation. Hotels and resorts are widely available as well.
Activities
The islands are a noted base for sailing activities in the Bahamas, as well as resort tourism.
The red and white striped lighthouse at
Hope Town in the Abaco Islands, is a noted local landmark.
The Abacos Islands in the Bahamas have four national parks that attract tourists: Pelican Cays Land & Sea Park, Abaco Wild Horse Preserve, Man-O-War Cay, and Great Guana Cay.
Transportation
Marsh Harbour Airport and Treasure Cay Airport serve the islands. Outislands can be reached by ferries operated by Alburys Ferry Service. Bahamas Fast Ferry operates between Nassau and Sandy Point on the southern end of Abaco.
Environment
The Abaco Islands boast important natural areas, especially important coral reef areas, barrier-island terrestrial habitats and large forests of Bahamian Pine (Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis), some of which still contain old-growth trees. As development expands in the Abacos, local groups have begun to more fiercely fight for the preservation of their natural resources, such as in the development case on Great Guana Cay. [1]
Notable species include the Bahamian subspecies of Cuban Amazon (Amazona leucocephala bahamensis), which exists only in Cuba, the Cayman Islands, the southern Bahamas and Abaco. This population is unique in that nests in limestone solution cavities rather than tree cavities. Abaco is also known for its intact elkhorn and staghorn coral structures, and for its critically endangered species of wild horse, the Abaco Barb.
Coordinates: 26°28′N 77°05′W / 26.467°N 77.083°W / 26.467; -77.083
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