White Bahamian facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| ~48,000 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Bahamas Miami, London, Georgia, New York City |
|
| Languages | |
| Bahamian Dialect, American English, Greek, Caribbean Spanish | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity-(Roman Catholicism, Anglican, Baptist, Greek Orthodox) |
European Bahamians are people living in The Bahamas who have ancestors from Europe. They are also known as Bahamians of European Descent. Most of them trace their family roots back to British Puritans who arrived in 1649 or American Loyalists who came in 1783. A smaller group of European Bahamians are descendants of Greek workers who moved to the islands in the 1900s to help with the sponging industry. This group also includes white people from Cuba and Puerto Rico who have made the Bahamas their home.
Contents
Who Are European Bahamians?
European Bahamians are an important part of the diverse population of The Bahamas. They have contributed to the islands' history, culture, and economy for centuries. Their stories are a mix of adventure, new beginnings, and hard work.
A Look at Their History
The history of European Bahamians began with different groups arriving at different times. Each group brought their own traditions and ways of life.
The First Settlers: British Puritans
In 1649, a group of British Puritans arrived in The Bahamas. They were seeking religious freedom and a new place to live away from England. These settlers founded the first permanent European settlement on the island of Eleuthera. They were known as the "Eleutherian Adventurers." They worked hard to build new communities and establish a way of life in the islands.
American Loyalists Arrive
After the American Revolutionary War ended in 1783, many people known as "Loyalists" left the newly formed United States. These Loyalists had remained loyal to the British Crown during the war. They moved to The Bahamas, often bringing their families and belongings with them. Their arrival greatly increased the European population in the islands. Many of them started plantations, which changed the economy and landscape of the Bahamas.
Greek Workers and the Sponging Industry
In the early 1900s, a new group of Europeans arrived: Greek laborers. They came to The Bahamas to work in the growing sponging industry. Sponges were a valuable natural resource found in the waters around the islands. The Greek workers were skilled divers and played a big role in developing this important industry. Their hard work helped the Bahamian economy grow.
Languages and Beliefs
European Bahamians speak several languages and follow different religions, reflecting their diverse backgrounds.
What Languages Do They Speak?
Most European Bahamians speak Bahamian Dialect and American English. Bahamian Dialect is a unique way of speaking English that has developed in the islands. Some European Bahamians also speak Greek, especially those whose families came from Greece. A smaller number might speak Caribbean Spanish, particularly if they have roots in Cuba or Puerto Rico.
Religious Traditions
Christianity is the main religion among European Bahamians. They belong to different Christian churches, including the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican churches, Baptist churches, and the Greek Orthodox Church. These different religious groups show the various European countries their ancestors came from.
