Simms
One of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas, where the Simms family first established Long Island's permanent community in 1720.
Simms holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the Bahamas, founded by the Simms family who arrived in 1720 after originally settling in the Bahamas nearly a century earlier. When Spanish conquistadors enslaved and removed the indigenous Lucayan people, Long Island stood largely uninhabited until this pioneering family established roots on its rocky shores.
Today, descendants of those original settlers still call Simms home, maintaining traditions and stories passed through generations. The settlement offers a living link to Bahamian history, with remnants of old structures hidden in the bush and blue holes scattered across the surrounding landscape.
The Simms Family Legacy
The Simms family arrived in the Bahamas in the 1640s, making them among the earliest European settlers in the archipelago. In 1720, they established the first large settlement on Long Island following the tragic disappearance of the Lucayan people who had been taken as slaves to Hispaniola and Cuba by Spanish colonizers.
The descendants of Benjamin Simms and his contemporaries still reside in the settlement that bears their name. This unbroken chain of habitation spanning over three centuries makes Simms a remarkable repository of Bahamian family history and cultural continuity.
Historic Chapel and Ruins
Hidden in the bush near Simms lies the remains of what is believed to have been the personal chapel of settler Benjamin Simms. This stone structure, weathered by centuries of tropical elements, represents one of the oldest European-built structures on Long Island. Finding it requires local guidance, as the chapel sits surrounded by dense vegetation and dangerous sinkholes.
The abandoned settlements of Andersons and Taits, located on the ocean side near Simms, offer additional opportunities for historical exploration. Here, stone walls and foundations mark the outlines of communities that flourished briefly during the Loyalist era before being abandoned when the soil proved unsuitable for plantation agriculture.
Blue Holes and Natural Features
The limestone terrain around Simms conceals numerous blue holes, the freshwater-filled sinkholes that punctuate the Bahamian landscape. These geological wonders range from small pools hidden in the vegetation to larger bodies of water suitable for swimming. Local knowledge is essential for finding and safely accessing these features.
The settlement sits in the northern portion of Long Island where the island narrows, allowing views of both the calm western shore and the dramatic Atlantic coastline to the east. The area offers excellent opportunities for nature walks and birdwatching away from more developed areas.
Visiting Simms Today
Simms remains a quiet residential community where visitors can experience authentic Out Island life. The pace is slow, the people are welcoming, and the sense of history is palpable. Descendants of the original settlers can often be found who are happy to share stories of their ancestors and the settlement's long history.
The main Queen's Highway passes through Simms, making it easy to stop while exploring Long Island. There are no formal tourist facilities, but the settlement's historical significance and natural beauty reward those who take time to explore with respect and curiosity.
Getting there
Simms is located in the northern portion of Long Island, accessible by car via the Queen's Highway from either Stella Maris Airport to the north or Deadman's Cay Airport to the south. The settlement lies along the main road and can be explored during a driving tour of the island. No formal visitor facilities exist, so plan to bring any needed supplies from larger settlements.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I visit the historic Simms chapel ruins?
- The chapel ruins exist but are difficult to find, located in dense bush and surrounded by dangerous sinkholes. Local guidance is essential for a safe visit. Ask in the settlement for someone who can show you the location, and exercise extreme caution around the sinkholes.
- Are the Simms family descendants still living there?
- Yes, descendants of the original Simms family settlers still reside in the community. Many can trace their lineage back to the 1720 founding, representing an unbroken chain of habitation spanning over three centuries on Long Island.
- What happened to the Loyalist settlements near Simms?
- The abandoned settlements of Andersons and Taits were established by British Loyalists in the late 1700s but were abandoned within a generation when the soil proved unsuitable for cotton cultivation. Their stone foundations and walls remain as ruins on the ocean side of the island.