For a good number of years now, the May issue of Southern Boating has featured The Bahamas, that heavenly string of islands, cays and rocks situated just to the east of southern Florida. The close proximity, exquisite anchorages and beaches, friendly inhabitants and historical mystique of these islands lures visitors like a lodestone, and as many of you have discovered, one visit is never enough.

Over the years, our pages have covered nearly every nook and cranny, place to go and thing to see—as well as profiles of islanders and their lives—of this combined landmass about the size of the state of Connecticut. Dare we say, we’ve pretty much covered it all.

As journalists, we’re a naturally curious and inquisitive bunch and in our brainstorming session over what this year’s coverage might consist of, we started asking questions about “why is that” on a host of matters pertaining to the historical development of The Bahamas. Some informal research began and it wasn’t long before we decided that our readers would surely appreciate us sharing our findings with them. Our neighbors to the east have a fascinating and enthralling history, acutely intertwined with our own.

So pour yourself a tall glass of your favorite tropical beverage, climb into the shady hammock strung between a pair of Royal Palms, and let us transport you back—and then forth to the present day—to a time and place whose mere mention conjures up the fondest memories and fosters genuine yearning for a seaborne sojourn: The Bahamas.