Several millennia after the volcano's eruption, legend has it that
so fearsome a sight was the aftermath of the surrounding reefs to the Spaniard
San Juan de Bermudez in 1511, that "he came, he saw, left his name and fled" while
barely even stepping ashore.
Henry Ray, an Englishman aboard a French vessel northbound from the Caribbean,
was shipwrecked on the islands dangerous reefs, becoming the first to land in
1593. Fortunately the Islands provided fresh water and the means to sustain the
passengers and the crew. The abundance of trees enabled to sailors to build a
ship big enough - and strong enough - to continue their journey home.
In 1609, another shipwreck made history in both the real and fictional world.
Admiral Sir George Somers was bound from Plymouth, England on a rescue mission
to the colony of Jamestown, Virginia responding to reports from colonists struggling
with starvation, disease, and frequent attacks from Indians. In the final week
of the voyage Somers' flagship, the Sea Venture, was separated from its eight
companions by a sudden storm, and in the howling winds and raging seas was thrown
onto the reefs. Survivors were grateful for the Island's plentiful supplies, and
the wealth of suitable materials for a means of escape. A passenger's account
of the disaster was read by William Shakespeare and is believed to have inspired
The Tempest.
Somers claimed the Islands for Britain and the report of his experience there
interested the British Admiralty sufficiently for a return voyage years later
which resulted in Bermuda's permanent habitation. Somers, however, died during
his second visit and his hear t was buried in an area known as Somers Garden in
St. George's.
Moore History & Folklore
The first Governor of Bermuda was Richard Moore, formerly a ship's carpenter,
who presided over an unruly group of settlers and privateers. Moore made efforts
to establish order, building a church and a number of forts as defenses against
possible Spanish invasion. The earliest of these was Paget For on the eastern
approach to St. George's Harbor.
One of the Island;s first commercial ventures was the distillation of liquor.
Bermuda's exports eventually included cured tobacco, a trade in which, with Virginia,
it held a virtual monopoly. St. George's served as the capital until the seat
of government was established in Hamilton during the 19th century.
By 1615 the population numbered about 3000, mostly of English origin. Gradually
the settlers were joined by slaves from Africa and the West Indies. By 1749 the
slave population was 55 percent of the total. Toward the end of the 1700s the
emphasis on ties with Britain changed to increased reliance on trade with North
america. By the time of the American War of Independence, Bermuda found itself
in a difficult position with divided loyalties, but the majority of colonist remained
loyal to Britain.
Food for Thought
Shipbuilding thorough out the 18th and early 19th century enable Bermuda to trade
abroad with its light, fast ships sailing from St. George's Harbor and the Royal
Navel Dockyard. Potatoes and onions were the Island's major products. In fact,
so crucial was the onion to the Island that Mark Twain commented, "The onion is
the pride and joy of Bermuda. In her conversation, her pulpit, her literature,
it is her most frequent and eloquent figure. In Bermuda metaphor it stands for
perfection." Even today local Bermudians are called onions.
During the American Civil War, Bermuda was an important source of arms to both
sides, and the trade in arms continued until the Wars's end in 1865. Bermudian
merchants were quick to seize the opportunity to get rick during the War. The
Globe Hotel in St. George's was the headquarters of Confederate agents, as well
as the center of blockade running.
When the demand for guns and ammunition dried up, Bermuda was forced to seek other
ways of trading. An agricultural industry soon developed that supplied vegetable
all year round to New York City's ever-growing needs. When demand declined, agriculture
was replace by tourism as a means of primary income.
In the early days of Bermuda's tourist development, the Island was favored by
wealthy patrons who viewed it as an ideal winter resort; subsequent decades have
witnessed giant strides in the Island's development and economy. Today, Bermuda
remains an example of political and social stability. Visitors will find in this
British colony an ambience unique in the Western Hemisphere, and are well advised
to visit the profusion of landscapes reflecting Bermuda's colorful history and
unique identity.
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