Colonel Hill history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the settlement of Colonel Hill is inextricably linked to the period of active settlement of the archipelago in the late 18th century. The main impetus for the development of this territory was given by American Loyalists who relocated to The Bahamas after the American War of Independence, wishing to remain subjects of the British Crown.

The town presumably received its name in honour of a Colonel who owned lands in this area. It was during this period that the first permanent estates began to appear on Crooked Island, and an administrative structure began to form.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of Colonel Hill into the administrative centre of the region was driven by a combination of geographical and economic reasons:

• Strategic Location: The island is located near the Crooked Island Passage, which historically served as a vital route for ships heading to the Caribbean Sea. This ensured a connection with the outside world.
• Development of Communications: One of the first postal stations in the Bahamas operated in the region. Ships left correspondence here for further distribution, making the area an important information hub.
• Agriculture: The arriving settlers established cotton plantations, hoping to replicate the success achieved on the continent. This attracted resources and a workforce.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early years, the economy of Colonel Hill depended entirely on the success of cotton plantations. Cultural life was shaped by British traditions brought by the Loyalists, which is reflected in the architecture of surviving historical buildings and the layout of the settlement.

However, the "cotton boom" proved short-lived due to soil exhaustion and pest infestations in the early 19th century. Following the decline of the plantation economy, local residents reoriented towards fishing and subsistence farming, which formed the quiet and secluded lifestyle characteristic of the town today.

Major Historical Milestones

The history of the settlement is inextricably linked to the development of the entire archipelago, from its discovery by Europeans to the establishment of modern infrastructure.

• 1492: Christopher Columbus lands on Crooked Island, naming it "Isabella" in honour of the Spanish Queen; this is one of the first places of contact between Europeans and the New World.
• 1783: The beginning of the mass migration of American Loyalists to The Bahamas, which triggered the settlement of the area that is now Colonel Hill.
• 1790s: The heyday of cotton plantations and the construction of large estates, the ruins of which (such as Hope Great House) have survived to this day.
• Late 18th Century: Construction of fortifications, including the Marine Farm Battery, to protect the strategically important passage from pirates and enemy fleets.
• Early 19th Century: The area becomes a key postal hub of the archipelago; a station is organised here for exchanging correspondence with passing vessels.
• 1834: The abolition of slavery in the British Empire, which led to fundamental changes in the settlement's economy and a transition from plantations to subsistence farming.
• 1876: Completion of the Bird Rock Lighthouse north of the settlement, ensuring the safety of navigation in the passage.
• Mid-20th Century: Colonel Hill receives regular air service thanks to the construction of a local airport, opening the island to tourism.
• 2015: Powerful Hurricane Joaquin causes serious damage to the town's infrastructure, followed by a long period of restoring buildings and communications.

Stages of Transformation and Development

The history of Colonel Hill is a journey from colonial plantations to a modern administrative centre that has preserved its identity. Below are the key milestones that defined the economic and urban appearance of the settlement:

• Formation of the Administrative Core. Establishing the town's status as the district capital led to the concentration of governing bodies here. The construction of the government complex and the commissioner's residence made the settlement the centre of social and political life on Crooked Island.
• Creation of a Marine Navigation Hub. The erection of the Bird Rock Lighthouse became a major infrastructure project. This structure not only ensured the safe passage of ships through the straits of The Bahamas but also turned into the town's main architectural symbol, attracting tourists.
• Launch of the Airport. The construction of the runway and the opening of the airport radically changed the region's transport accessibility. The transition from exclusively maritime transport to regular flights allowed for a quick connection with Nassau and stimulated the influx of travellers.
• Development of Niche Tourism. Reorienting the economy to serve guests interested in sport fishing led to the emergence of specialised lodges. This created jobs and made the town a renowned global centre for bonefishing.
• Infrastructure Modernisation. The installation of modern communications, including electrification and the internet, improved the quality of life for the local population. This transformation allowed the town to combine seclusion with the level of comfort necessary for modern guests.
• Post-Hurricane Recovery. Periods of reconstruction following powerful tropical cyclones (specifically Hurricane Joaquin) contributed to the renewal of the housing stock. Restoration was carried out taking into account new building standards, making the urban development more resilient to the elements.

Architectural Appearance and Building Features

The architecture of the settlement of Colonel Hill is far from the pomp of European capitals; however, it possesses a unique charm shaped by the history of the island's development. The urban structure here was dictated not by the master plans of architects, but by harsh necessity: protection from hurricanes, proximity to the sea, and the availability of building materials. The settlement stretches along the main road running along the ridge of the elevation, which ensures natural ventilation and protection from flooding.

Plantation Era: British Colonial Style

The earliest and historically most significant layer of architecture dates back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the period of the Loyalists' arrival. Although many structures from that time lie in ruins today, they allow us to trace the features of the classical colonial style adapted for the tropics.

• Materials: Local limestone and "tabby"—a special type of concrete made from lime, sand, and crushed shells—were used. This gave the buildings monumentality and durability.
• Characteristic Features: Thick walls to keep the interior cool, high ceilings, and wide verandas. The remains of such estates serve as a reminder of the "cotton boom" era in The Bahamas.

Bahamian Vernacular and Modernity

With the decline of plantations and the transition to a more modest lifestyle, a recognisable local style formed—Bahamian vernacular. The modern look of the town is defined by such buildings, combining tradition and functionality.

• Wooden Architecture (19th–20th Centuries): Initially, houses were built of wood on stilts for air circulation and protection against termites. Gabled roofs and wooden shutters are characteristic features.
• Modern Adaptation: After a series of destructive hurricanes, wood gave way to concrete and stone. Current homes in Colonel Hill are sturdy single-storey constructions painted in bright pastel colours (pink, turquoise, yellow), which is a hallmark of the archipelago.

Iconic Structures

Despite its small size, objects marking various historical stages have been preserved in the vicinity of the town:

• Ruins of Marine Farm Battery: An example of fortification architecture from the late 18th century. The fortress protected the passage and demonstrates the masonry skills of that period.
• Bird Rock Lighthouse: A majestic structure from 1876, representing the golden age of marine navigation. The white stone tower, over 30 metres high, has become the architectural dominant of the horizon.
• Administration Building: A vivid example of modern public architecture in the Bahamas—a functional building in colonial style with a characteristic colour scheme, serving as the centre of community life.

Historical Figures and Modern Personalities

Despite its modest size, the settlement of Colonel Hill and Crooked Island are linked to the fates of people who left a noticeable mark on the history of the region. From the discoverers of the New World to the creators of the archipelago's modern tourism reputation, these personalities shaped the town's appearance in different eras.

Below is a list of key figures whose activities are inextricably linked to the development of this part of The Bahamas:

• Christopher Columbus (1451–1506)
  Navigator and explorer
  Although Columbus did not live in the town itself, his figure is of fundamental importance to the history of the area. It was here, on the island he named "Isabella" (now Crooked Island), that one of the first European landings in the New World took place. His ship's log contains the first descriptions of the local nature and geography, which marked the beginning of the mapping of the region.
• Colonel William Moss (Late 18th Century)
  Planter, American Loyalist
  One of the most influential landowners during the period of the Bahamas' settlement by Loyalists after the American Revolution. Historians link the name of the town (Colonel Hill) specifically to figures of such military settlers. Moss owned extensive cotton plantations and contributed to the economic establishment of the region as an agricultural centre.
• Lord Dunmore (John Murray) (1730–1809)
  Governor of the Bahamas
  Played a key role in the distribution of lands on Crooked Island among the Loyalists. His administrative decisions facilitated the construction of the first fortifications and roads, setting the vector for the settlement's development as an important administrative hub in the southern part of the archipelago.
• Admiral Ferguson (20th Century)
  Community leader and educator
  An outstanding local leader who made an invaluable contribution to the development of education and the social sphere of the district. In recognition of his services to society, the secondary school serving Colonel Hill and the surrounding areas bears his name (Admiral Ferguson Senior High School). He is a symbol of selfless service to the local community.
• V. Alfred Gray (born 1951)
  Politician, Lawyer
  A well-known Bahamian political figure who long represented the interests of the MICAL constituency (which includes Crooked Island) in parliament. His activities contributed to the modernisation of Colonel Hill's infrastructure, including airport improvements and the restoration of the settlement after destructive hurricanes.
• Ulysses Davis (Modern Era)
  Legendary guide, sport fishing expert
  A man who turned a local pastime into a world-class brand. Thanks to professionals like Davis, Colonel Hill has become known among the elite of fishing tourism. His knowledge of local waters and the mangrove ecosystem attracts travellers from all over the world, supporting the town's economy.