Treasure Cay history

Modern Treasure Cay is primarily known as a resort with snow-white beaches; however, this land preserves the memory of significant historical events that shaped the appearance of the entire archipelago. Located on the island of Great Abaco, this corner, part of the Bahamas, has journeyed from early colonization attempts to the status of a popular tourist destination.

Foundation and Historical Context

The history of the area begins long before the appearance of modern hotels. In 1783, it was here, in the area of present-day Treasure Cay, that the first group of Loyalists landed—British subjects who left New York after the American Revolutionary War. They founded the settlement of Carleton, named in honour of Sir Guy Carleton. Although the initial settlement did not exist for long due to hurricanes and internal disagreements, it became the starting point for the settlement of all the Abaco islands. The modern history of the town began in the 1950s when developers assessed the potential of the local coast and started building infrastructure.

Key Development Factors

The development of this territory was determined by a combination of natural and social factors:

• Geographic Location: A unique coastline with a long sand spit and convenient bays attracted seafarers and created ideal conditions for creating a marina.
• Political Migration: The arrival of Loyalists in the 18th century brought English traditions, architectural styles, and shipbuilding skills to the islands, which became part of the local cultural code.
• Tourism Investments: The transformation from a wild coast, previously known as Sand Banks, into a well-appointed resort became possible thanks to targeted investments in the mid-20th century.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period, the region's economy was built on attempts at agriculture and fishing. The settlers of Carleton tried to grow cotton, but the rocky soil was quickly depleted. Subsequently, residents switched to boat building and sponge harvesting. Since the founding of the modern resort, the economic structure has completely reoriented towards the hospitality industry, yachting, and sport fishing, while preserving an atmosphere of privacy and tranquillity.

Development Timeline

The history of the Treasure Cay resort is closely intertwined with the general past of the Abaco region, combining colonial heritage and modern tourism development.

• 1783 — The first British Loyalists, fleeing from New York, landed on the coast and founded the historic settlement of Carleton.
• 1785 — After a destructive storm and difficulties with farming, most residents left Carleton, relocating to other parts of the island.
• 1950s — American investors turned their attention to the picturesque area, then known as Sand Banks, beginning the planning of the future resort.
• 1959 — The start of the active phase of constructing basic infrastructure, roads, and the first guest facilities under the guidance of developers.
• 1968 — Opening of a professional golf course designed by the renowned architect Dick Wilson, which raised the status of the location.
• 1973 — The Bahamas gained independence from the United Kingdom, which contributed to the growth of interest in the archipelago on the international stage.
• 1980s — The town finally cemented its reputation as one of the best destinations in the region for sport fishing and family yachting.
• 2019 — The region faced the consequences of Hurricane Dorian, after which a large-scale period of recovery and renewal of the tourist zone began.

Key Stages of the Town's Transformation

The evolution of the Treasure Cay resort is a story of transforming a wild coast into an elite tourist destination. Each of the events listed below played a decisive role in shaping the modern economic and architectural appearance of the settlement, which is part of the Bahamas.

• Approval of the Resort Concept (1950s): The decision by American investors to turn the deserted area into an organized settlement became the starting point of urban planning. This defined the general master plan, dividing the territory into zones for hotels, private villas, and public infrastructure.
• Construction of the Canal System and Marina: The creation of a protected harbour and a network of waterways became the main economic driver. This technical solution allowed for the accommodation of yachts of any class, turning the town into a key maritime hub in the Abaco islands and ensuring a constant flow of affluent tourists.
• Opening of the International Airport: The appearance of its own aviation hub took transport accessibility to a new level. Direct connections with the mainland made the resort attractive not only for sailors but also for "weekend tourists," significantly expanding the client base for local businesses.
• Launch of the Golf Club (1968): The construction of a professional course designed by Dick Wilson added status to the location. This event formed a club community around the town and attracted sports enthusiasts, diversifying leisure opportunities beyond beach relaxation.
• Development of the "Second Homes" Market (1980–1990s): The mass construction of private condominiums and residences changed the demographics. The town ceased to be merely a place for short visits, turning into a community of permanent residents and winter residents, which ensured economic stability in the off-season.
• Post-Hurricane Renovation (from 2019): Recovery after the strike of the elements became a catalyst for modernization. The forced rebuilding led to the renewal of utility networks and the implementation of stricter building codes, increasing the safety and technological advancement of the urban environment.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

Unlike ancient colonial towns, Treasure Cay represents an example of a master-planned resort settlement from the second half of the 20th century. Its urban planning concept was originally developed taking into account tourism potential, where nature dictates the rules of development. The town does not have a pronounced historic centre with administrative buildings; instead, its "heart" is the marina and the adjacent hospitality infrastructure.

Main Architectural Styles

The development of the resort, part of the Bahamas, is quite homogeneous and harmonious, reflecting a transition from functionalism to a modern interpretation of local traditions.

• Resort Modernism (1960–1980s): Early structures, including the first condominiums and club buildings, are executed in a restrained style. They are characterized by simple geometric forms, flat or single-pitch roofs, and extensive use of concrete, which ensured resilience to the maritime climate.
• Bahamian Vernacular: In private developments and modern villas, a style referencing the heritage of the Loyalists dominates. It is distinguished by pastel facade tones (turquoise, pink, yellow), gable roofs, wooden shutters, and spacious covered verandas that provide natural ventilation.
• Modern Tropical Style: The newest residences are built with an emphasis on panoramic glazing and the integration of external and internal spaces, while strictly observing wind resistance standards.

Urban Planning Features

The layout of Treasure Cay is unique in its orientation towards waterways. A key element of urban planning became the system of artificial canals, which turned the second line from the sea into an elite residential zone with private docks. The zoning of the town is clearly structured:

• Coastal Zone: Along the famous beach, low-rise residential complexes and villas are located, designed so as not to block the view of the ocean.
• Marina District: The centre of public life with shops, restaurants, and service facilities, architecturally designed as a cosy port village.
• Golf Zone: Residential properties integrated into the landscape of the golf course, where houses are hidden behind natural greenery, creating a sense of privacy.

Prominent Figures in the History of Treasure Cay

The history and development of the Treasure Cay resort are inextricably linked with the names of pioneers, entrepreneurs, and political figures who saw potential in this picturesque corner of the Bahamas archipelago. From the first settlers to the creators of modern tourist infrastructure, each of them made their contribution to the formation of the region.

• Guy Carleton
  Role: British military commander, 1st Baron Dorchester

  Although Lord Carleton himself did not live on the island, he played a key historical role in the settlement of Abaco. It was he who organized the evacuation of Loyalists from New York in 1783. The first settlement in this area, located not far from the modern beach, was named "Carleton" in his honour, becoming the starting point for the colonization of the island.

• R.E. Dumas Milner
  Role: American entrepreneur and developer

  Considered the "father" of the modern resort. In the late 1950s, this industrialist from Mississippi assessed the potential of the deserted sandbanks and invested significant funds in creating infrastructure. Under his leadership, the canal system, marina, and first hotels were built, transforming the wild coast into an elite holiday destination.

• Dick Wilson
  Role: Renowned golf course architect

  Designed the golf course at Treasure Cay, opened in 1968. His work gave the resort the status of an international-level sports destination. Wilson's design, which intelligently uses the natural landscape, made this golf club one of the most respected in the Bahamas during its heyday.

• Leonard Thompson
  Role: Pilot, politician, and aviation pioneer

  A native of Abaco, Thompson was a key figure in the development of the region's transport accessibility. As a former military pilot and influential politician, he lobbied for the construction of airports and roads on the island, which made mass tourism and the delivery of cargo for resort construction possible.

• Hubert Ingraham
  Role: Prime Minister of the Bahamas (former)

  Born in nearby Cooper's Town on Great Abaco, Ingraham is one of the most influential political figures in the country's history. His activities as Prime Minister contributed to the economic development of his home island, the improvement of infrastructure, and support for the tourism sector of the Abaco region.