Change Over Time

The Long Bay landing site where Columbus made his first landfall has changed over time.

Columbus made his land fall in 1492 before this time we do not really know what this bay meant to the Lucayans.

The beach still has beautiful white sand, and clear blue waters. There is a small covered pavilion with picnic benches that depict the Bahamian flag on the top. There now stands a cross that marks the site of the landing that have many inscriptions on them. One pictured above is from 1992 and is dedicated to San Salvador on the 500th anniversary of the landing. You would think that such a historic site would have much more pomp and stance.

There is also a monument on site to commemorate the Olympic flame passing through the area during the flame relay for the 1968 Summer Games in Mexico City.

The area south of the landing site is now a settlement. Many of the residents in the area are retired people from The United States, Britain, and other countries who have made San Salvador home.

There is a Club Med, several resort homes, and condos that are occupied on a seasonal basis. Roads were built in the area with that idea the land would become a major resort community. A championship quality golf course was scheduled to be built but the plans fell through due to lack of funds and fresh water.

As much as major tourist attractions would bring more people to the area it really is a good thing that they did not happen, The landing site and the island of San Salvador are beautiful, and transplant you back to another time. The site is historically significant, and are preserved as they should be.