Grand Bahama | _ | | _ | | | Grand Bahama is the fourth largest of the Bahamian islands, measuring 96 miles by 17 miles, and its capital Freeport/Lucaya is what Bahamians consider the nations' "Second City". Situated to the Northwest of New Providence, it's also one of the closest islands to the Florida coastline. Built in the 60's, Freeport (the main city) makes Grand Bahama visibly different to the other islands. Wallace Groves an American started the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) with a government grant of 50'000 acres of Crown Land, which eventually increased to 149'000 acres. Under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, the GBPA built houses, churches, schools and roads. Later a deep-water harbour was dredged for oil tankers followed by an airport, hotels and casino. Freeport/Lucaya is very American in style and unlike anything else in The Bahamas. Built for tropical fun, the area boasts wide tree-lined boulevards, top hotels with casinos and colourful shows, world-class shopping, superb beaches and a multitude of holiday activities including five golf courses. | | | _ | | _ | | | If Grand Bahama has an historical capital, it is West End -- a coastal village flung out on the island's westernmost tip, 25 miles from Freeport. Swimming in its sea-sleepy streets is a history of arms smugglers, rum runners, and wreckers.
A stop at The Star Hotel, Grand Bahama Island's oldest hotel, is a must. West End's most famous historical landmark, it seems like a holdover from the days of Prohibition, but actually dates back to1946, just before Freeport was born. | | | | | | |
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