| The Exuma Islands, a collection of 365 tiny islands | | | | including the kitchen andthe slave quarters. |
| collectedunder one name, which are part of the | | | | Also on Great Exuma Island are two cemeteries of |
| many islands that make upthe legendary vacation | | | | historicalimportance. One is the Rolle Town Tombs. |
| destination known as the Bahamas, offersa prime | | | | An overseer and hiswife, from the time of slavery, |
| example of what an out of the ordinary Bahamas | | | | are buried here. There are acouple of interesting bits |
| vacationcan be. It shows off the very best of the | | | | of island history associated withthe surname Rolle. |
| Bahamas, that partsthat are often outshined by the | | | | The name arrived on the island in 1783,carried by the |
| glitter and gleam of itsluxurious casinos and tourist | | | | slaves that plantation owner Denys Rolle sentfrom |
| centers. The Exuma Islands havehistory, culture, a | | | | Florida for the cotton plantation he owned, but chose |
| deep regard for nature and a splash ofadventure. | | | | notto reside at. Because slaves were known by the |
| Great Exuma Island is the largest of the Exuma | | | | surname of theirmaster and after the Emancipation, |
| Islands and thelocation Exuma's capital city, George | | | | many people kept the surnamesthey'd grown |
| Town. Great Exuma Islandis home to some of the | | | | accustomed to, the Rolle name now belongs to |
| island group's most interestinghistorical sights. | | | | morethan half of the native population. |
| Patience House and the Shark Lady of the Exumas is | | | | The other cemetery, called the Hermitage, dates |
| an unusualmuseum and shop located in the home of | | | | back to the |
| Gloria Patience. Past 80years old, she once met the | | | | 1800's. Located 8 miles away from the capital city of |
| Queen of England, barefoot withshell bead around her | | | | George |
| ankles. It's easy to imagine that sheheld her head just | | | | Town, using a guide will help to get the full effect of |
| as high then, barefoot before the Queen, asshe does | | | | thismarvelous site. |
| now. Rumored to have caught more than 1,500 | | | | The vast Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park expands |
| sharks,she is a formidable character, and presides | | | | over 176 miles. |
| over the amazingitems she has collected through the | | | | This nature reserve is a fun and fascinating place, |
| years with a regal bearingquite her own. Her guided | | | | with finebeaches and a wide variety of wildlife. It has |
| tours through her museum home providea wealth of | | | | also played animportant role in local nature |
| historical information and she is a fascinating andwarm | | | | conservation efforts. |
| person. | | | | The islands are wonderful for exploring underwater, |
| Another historic site on Great Exuma Island is the | | | | with manycaves and reefs for snorkeling and diving |
| Bowe Family | | | | and there are manyday tour packages available for |
| Plantation. Today, this former cotton plantation lies in | | | | these activities. Charteredboats for fishing excursions |
| ruins,though in its remains, one can achieve a clear | | | | are also available, and atreasonable rates. |
| picture of thestructural arrangement of the house, | | | | |