Once the private island of our nation’s leader. Charles Island is rich in its history.
Charles Island comes with a fascinating history. Known as the Gateway to North Eleuthera, it was originally owned by the first and only Premier of the Bahamas, Sir Roland “Pop” Symonette, until his death in 1980, with only the current owner between. Sir Symonette is now proudly featured on the Bahamas $50 dollar bill known for his outstanding contributions to the nation.
Long before “Pop”, the islands were a first and last stop for Spanish ships heading to and from Europe and have long been known for their amazing freshwater resources and water wells, hence “Spanish Wells”. These same ships called the area “Baha Mar” in Spanish for shallow sea, now known as The Bahamas.
At the time, the harbour between Charles Island and Spanish Wells was un-dredged. Many of these ships would import china plates amongst other goods in crates that would often end up overboard near the old Spanish Wells shipyard next to Charles Island. These ships would also purposely drop overboard hand cut stone ballasts into the harbour, making it possible to sail over the shallow bank. This mixture of history now has turned the waterway Charles Island and Spanish Wells share, into a treasure hunt of sorts. Historic remnants can be easily found during a walk down the shoreline. If on the lookout, pieces of China can be found almost every stroll down the beach. Some plain white, other pieces vibrant works of art in Red, Blue, Green, and all varieties of colors and designs.
Centuries old bottles both small and large are less often but sometimes found, as well as the previously mentioned stone ballasts.
Kids and adults all love a real Bahamian treasure hunt. These treasures unique to only Spanish Wells and near by Harbour Island, Charles Island is the only private island to enjoy this truly invigorating historic experience.