Acklins
| Missing image Bf-map_names_SE.png Map of the Bahamas | |
| Population: | 459 |
| Area (sq. km.): | 389 |
| Capital: | Snug Corner |
Acklins is an island and district of the Bahamas.
It is one of a group of islands lying in a shallow lagoon called the Bight of Acklins, of which the largest are Crooked Island in the north and Acklins in the south-east, and the smaller are Long Cay (once known as Fortune Island) in the north-west, and Castle Island in the south.
The islands were settled by American Loyalists in the late 1780's who set cotton plantations employing over 1,000 slaves. After the abolition of slavery in the British Empire these became uneconomical, and the replacement income from sponge diving has now dwindled as well. The inhabitants now live by fishing and small-scale farming.
The main town in the group is Colonel Hill on Crooked Island. Albert Town, on Long Cay, now sparsely populated, was once a prosperous little town. It was engaged in the sponge and salt industries and also served as a transfer port for stevedores seeking work on passing ships.
The population of Acklins was 428, and Crooked Island 350, at the 2000 census.
It is believed that first Post Office in the Bahamas was at Pitt’s Town on Crooked Island.
It appears NOT to be official usage to refer to if as Acklins Island.