Just after the American Revolution many English loyalists fled the United States to start a life on the English owned islands of the Bahamas. One of the wealthiest to come to Exuma was a Gentleman named Lord Rolle who tried desperately to grow cotton on Exuma. The thin soil dashed any hopes of his success and within a few years he eventually moved back to England. When he left, Lord Rolle freed all his slaves and created something called generation land where slaves were given plots of his land if they took his name. This, as you will notice as you venture about Exuma, is why there are so many places and families with the Rolle name today.
There are many grandiose stories of pirates and other Caribbean folklore associated with Exuma, in fact Kidd Harbor in George Town on Great Exuma is said to be named after the famous Pirate Captain Kidd (arrrgh matey).
Today, as was throughout its rich history; Great Exuma is a peaceful Caribbean island. The local people are exceptionally friendly, family centered and passionate about the island they call home.
