Buckley's Settlement
Historic settlement home to one of The Bahamas' finest schools and museum
Buckley's Settlement stands as one of Long Island's most historically significant communities, its origins reaching back to 1786 when John Buckley received a 220-acre land grant from the English Crown. The settlement that bears his name has grown into a centre of education and culture, proudly hosting the Long Island Library and Museum and Nelson Granville MacFarlane Major High School.
The high school has earned a remarkable reputation, frequently achieving the highest GCSE scores among The Bahamas' public schools. This academic excellence reflects the community's deep commitment to education and progress. Visitors to Buckley's Settlement find a genuine Long Island community with roots stretching back to the Loyalist era.
Loyalist Heritage
John Buckley was among the American Loyalists who fled to The Bahamas following the American Revolution. His 220-acre land grant in 1786 established the foundation for the settlement that would carry his name through the centuries. The Loyalists brought enslaved people with them, dramatically increasing the Bahamian population and establishing the cotton plantations that would briefly flourish before soil exhaustion ended that chapter of history. The descendants of both Loyalists and enslaved Africans remain in the community today.
The Library and Museum
The Long Island Library and Museum preserves and shares the island's rich history through exhibits, documents, and artifacts. Visitors can learn about Loyalist settlement, the cotton plantation era, traditional boat building, and contemporary island life. The museum serves as a community gathering point and educational resource, maintaining connections between Long Islanders and their heritage. Collections include historical photographs, traditional tools, and genealogical records valuable to those tracing family roots.
Educational Excellence
Nelson Granville MacFarlane Major High School has built a reputation for academic achievement that stands out across The Bahamas. Students from throughout Long Island attend the school, which consistently produces graduates who go on to higher education and professional success. The school's excellence reflects the community's values and the dedication of educators who have made this remote island school one of the nation's finest.
Getting there
Buckley's Settlement is located adjacent to Deadman's Cay on Long Island, easily accessible from Deadman's Cay Airport. The settlement is on Queen's Highway, making it one of the easier locations to reach on the island. Rental cars are available at the airport and in Stella Maris. The Long Island Library and Museum welcomes visitors during regular hours. Consider combining a visit with exploration of nearby Deadman's Cay and its historic cave systems.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the museum hours and is there an entry fee?
- The Long Island Library and Museum operates regular hours but these can vary seasonally. Entry fees are modest or by donation. Contact the museum in advance if possible to confirm hours, especially if traveling during the off-season or on weekends.
- Can visitors tour the high school?
- The high school is an active educational facility and not a tourist attraction. However, the community takes pride in the school's achievements, and local residents are often happy to share stories about its history and success when asked respectfully.
- Is Buckley's Settlement connected to Deadman's Cay?
- Yes, the two communities adjoin each other and together form one of the larger populated areas on Long Island. Queen's Highway runs through both settlements, and visitors often explore them as a single destination.