Spanish
Wells, is a tiny little island consisting of only a few hundred people. It is
a vibrant weathy, fishing community. Considered to be the fishing capital of
the bahamas,the main catch is crawfish (spiny lobster). The residents of this
island enjoy a lavish lifestyle,due to the healthy crawfishing seasons, and
it is said that the residents, are inclined to stay on the island, chosing the
historical crawfishing, as a way of life. The main population on the island
is that of caucasion.
The island is located off the northwest tip of Eleuthera,
50 miles northeast of Nassau, and 200 miles east of Miami, Florida. The islands
closest neighbour is Russell Island. There is a small bridge that connects Russel
Island to Spanish Wells, providing practical travel for the residents of both
islands.
The residents of this island are said to be direct decendants of the original
Eleutheran Adventurers and Loyalists.
A long time ago, the island was used by sailors, as a stop point at which to fill their casks with fresh water after extensive sea voyages.
In 1647 William Sayles and his crew set sail from Bermuda, in search of new land and religious freedom. After a two month sea voyage, their ship foundered after hitting atop a coral reef, leaving the crew and Sayles stranded on the northern part of the island. Sayles along with his crew all survived the tradgedy, and found their way to Preachers Cave situated near the north beach.They remained there and called the island home for a number of years.
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