Prior to Columbus’ arrival, an indigenous group of people called Lucayans migrated from Cuba to the island. Soon after the arrival of Christopher Columbus and other settlers to the islands, the Lucayan people were wiped out due to disease and enslavement. The Bahamas was eventually claimed by Great Britain and stayed under its rule for 325 years until 1973 when it became its own sovereign country that is a member of the Commonwealth Nations.
Bahamian culture blends an island lifestyle with thriving industries like cement-making, pharmaceuticals, and salt production. Freeport serves as the main hub of the Bahamas industrial and manufacturing business.
Grand Bahama has and continues to be shaped by the impact of hurricanes. In 2019, Hurricane Dorian, a category 5 hurricane, hit the Bahamas. It was the worst hurricane to rage through the Bahamas in decades and did substantial damage to Grand Bahama. The island has long been resilient in the face of hurricanes, though, and has begun to rebuild, with the port reopening to cruise passengers about a month after the hurricane hit.
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