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ANDROS HISTORY

The history of Andros Island can be traced back to pre-Columbus times when the island was inhabited by the Lucayan Indians, the period of British colonization with the Lord Proprietors (1670 - 1718), the Loyalists and Seminole Periods during the American war of Independence and Civil War (1784-1821), the post Emancipation Period (1838), independence and post independence.

Andros is rich in history, culture and ancient rituals. Since before the 1400s, immigrants from Africa to South America have traveled far across the oceans to settle her shores. These brave voyagers brought with them customs and traditions as varied as the lands from which they came. The vast forest and interplay of land and water make Andros one of the more mystical land forms in the Caribbean. When the Spanish first beheld the island they named it 'The Island of the Holy Spirit' because of the way that the water and land dance and interchange on Andros.

The early inhabitants of the island were known as the invisible people because no one could see them due to the fact that they coated themselves with a special mud comprising the blue-green algae found on the island that made them invisible in sunlight and only visible under ultraviolet light. When the Europeans came to the island they saw evidence of human inhabitants but could not see them.

When the vast pine forest of the island was explored it was reported that large bird-like creatures that looked half human had mystical powers and turned your head backwards if you had bad thoughts. It is said that this mystical creature was called the 'Chickcharnie'.



CHICKCHARNIES
The legends of Andros are as rich and interesting as its factual history. Many of the locals still believe in the chickcharnies—mythical, magical, half man/half bird-like elves with red eyes, three fingers, three toes and feathers. These creatures are said to live in the tops of pine trees and, according to myth, will cause considerable mischief to those who look upon them and grimace, but cast lifelong good luck to those who show them respect.

Remains of the Chickcharnie have been found in ocean caves four hundred feet below sea level on the Toungue of the Ocean's western wall, which was above sea level during the past ice age.



LUSCA
Legend also has it that the octopus-like sea creature Lusca, the island’s version of the "Loch Ness Monster," lurks in the watery depths of the blue holes and takes pleasure in dragging men and small boats down to their doom.

Andros also has its share of mysteries based on partial fact. Morgan’s Bluff, the headquarters of the infamous pirate Sir Henry Morgan, is said to be the resting place of one of his undiscovered buried treasures.