The origin of "Rolle" started in Exuma with (Slave Owner) Lord John Rolle. Lord John Rolle was the eldest of his father, Denys Rolle. The Rolle family was one of the richest and most powerful families in Devon, England. Denys Rolle owned a large plantation in Florida which was operated by their 400 African slave laborers. After the Treaty of Versailles in 1783, Florida was returned to Spain. Spain in turned gave control of The Bahamas to Britain, and Denys Rolle was granted land in Exuma. Denys and John Rolle moved their entire operation to Exuma including their 400 slaves. They owned five plantations (settlements) in Exuma, Rolle Town, Rolleville, Steventon, Ramsey and Mount Thompson.