Acklins and Crooked Island facts

Facts about Acklins and Crooked Island One of the largest Lucayan Indian settlements in The Bahamas sits along Pompey Bay Beach, just south of Spring Point, Acklins. Ten ancient Lucayan sites have been unearthed by National Geographic Society Archeologists on Samana Cay alone public electricity was not available on Acklins Island until 1998 Plana Cays, also southwest of Spring Point is a protected reserve for endangered great iguanas and the very rare hutias , the only native mammal of The Bahamas. Landrail Point was the location of The Bahamas' first General Post Office. A hotel now sits around the remnants of the building, with the old stones and mortar of the original walls still visible. Turtle sound is a nine mile long waterway that is referred to as an inland river. It has differing depths, beginning at French Wells Channel and ending behind the northern settlements. Mangroves, marine and bird life can be found there. There are two lighthouses from the 19th century. One at the northern tip of Crooked Island. The Bird Rock Lighthouse which still welcomes pilots and sailors to the Pittstown Point Landings resort. The Castle Island Lighthouse at Acklins Island southern tip, formerly served as a beacon for pirates who used to retreat there after attacking ships. In an effort to protect shipping at the north entrance of the Crooked Island Passage, the British established a fort on the site of 4.4 acre Marine Farm in the 18th century. Ruins on the former plantation compound include a main house and kitchen, as well as a military compound with historic drawings, cannons [with the king's seal] and other artifacts.The site became a national park in 2002 and is under the protection of the Bahamas National Trust.

Bird Rock Lighthouse