San Salvador Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
San Salvador Island
Guanahani
Watling's Island
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Island and District
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Map of San Salvador Island
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 San Salvador Island
Location in Bahamas
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| Country |  Bahamas |
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| Island | San Salvador | |
| District | San Salvador | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 163 km2 (63 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 930 | |
| • Density | 5.71/km2 (14.78/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern Time Zone) | |
| Area code(s) | 242 | |
San Salvador Island is a beautiful island and district in the Bahamas. For a long time, from the 1680s until 1925, it was known as Watling's Island. This island is famous because many people believe it was the very first piece of land that Christopher Columbus saw and visited in the New World. This happened on October 12, 1492. Columbus named it San Salvador, which means "Holy Saviour". The original people living there were called the Lucayan inhabitants. They called their island Guanahani. Columbus wrote that these native people were "sweet and gentle".
Contents
History of San Salvador Island
Columbus's Arrival and Naming
San Salvador Island holds a special place in history. It is widely believed to be the first land sighted by Christopher Columbus during his first trip to the Americas. When he landed on October 12, 1492, he gave the island the name San Salvador. This name means "Holy Saviour" in Spanish.
Native Lucayan People
Before Columbus arrived, the island was home to the Lucayan people. They were the native inhabitants of the Bahamas. They had their own name for the island, which was Guanahani. Columbus described the Lucayan people as "sweet and gentle" in his writings.
Changing Names Over Time
After the time of Columbus, the island's name changed. From the 1680s, it became known as Watling's Island. This name stuck for a long time, until 1925. In 1925, the island's original name, San Salvador, was officially given back to it.
Geography and Nature
Island Size and Location
San Salvador Island is part of the Bahamas, a country made up of many islands. It covers an area of about 163 square kilometers (about 63 square miles). The island is located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters.
Unique Natural Features
The island has many interesting natural features. It has several lakes in its interior. The coastlines are home to coral reefs and seagrass beds. These areas are important for many types of marine life. You can find different kinds of fish, sea urchins, and corals here.
Life on San Salvador Island
Population and Community
As of 2010, about 930 people live on San Salvador Island. The community is small and close-knit. People often work in tourism or fishing. The island offers a quiet and peaceful way of life.
Research and Education
San Salvador Island is also a place for scientific research. There is a research center on the island. Scientists and students come here to study the island's unique geology, plants, and animals. This helps us learn more about the natural world.
Images for kids
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San Salvador from space, 2007
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Path of the Antilles Current
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USCG LORAN Station San Salvador under construction in about 1958
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View of North Point, Rice Bay, and Dixon Hill Settlement, facing north from the lighthouse in 1998.
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View of Grahams Harbour facing west from North Point in 1998. The water tower at left is located at the Gerace Research Centre, but no longer stands.
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Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) on the crest of Gaulin Reef
See also
In Spanish: San Salvador (Bahamas) para niños
