| The Bahamas is a magical string of 700 islands in the | | | | creating the perfect opportunity to plunder merchant |
| middle of the Caribbean that has been a popular | | | | ships. |
| tourist destination for decades, according to | | | | The battles fought between pirates, merchants and |
| American Express Travel. The Bahamas is a | | | | other authorities often caused may casualties, |
| world-renowned travel destination with a rich history. | | | | especially ships. These ships often sank off the coast |
| In 1492, Christopher Columbus made his first landfall | | | | of the Bahamas, laden with gold, silver, and other |
| on the island of San Salvador in the eastern Bahamas. | | | | antiquities. Spanish galleons were easy prey for |
| Columbus commented on the shallow water of the | | | | pirates. These ships carried stolen riches from the |
| sea surrounding the islands, calling the water "baja | | | | native peoples of South and Central America. Pirates |
| mar". It is from these words that the name "Bahama" | | | | would hide this treasure in the numerous limestone |
| came. Since the Bahamas islands are located close to | | | | caves dotting the Bahamas or bury it somewhere on |
| Florida they caught the attention of explorers, | | | | the miles of beaches. |
| settlers, invaders and traders. | | | | Rumors of treasure still hidden in the Bahamas exist |
| Pirate History in the Bahamas | | | | today. Pirate William Catt is supposed to have buried |
| One of the most interesting things about the | | | | loot on his namesake, Cat Island. Sir Henry Morgan, |
| Bahamas is its history with pirates. Black Beard, Calico | | | | who preferred the island of Andros, is said to have |
| Jack and Captain Henry Morgan himself were known | | | | buried treasure throughout the many islands. Where |
| visitors to the Bahamian islands. 1680 to 1730 was | | | | rumors may be false, the Bahamas certainly offers a |
| the golden age for Bahamian pirates. These islands | | | | mystique that encourages its visitors to indulge in |
| made an ideal home base for pirates because of the | | | | opportunities for adventure and seclusion. American |
| numerous islands and islets. These were great places | | | | Express Vacations is beginning to offer special tours |
| to hide their renegade ships and stolen treasure. The | | | | for travelers interested in highlighting famous pirate |
| islands were also close to well-traveled trading routes, | | | | sites all over the islands of the Bahamas. |