#600 Building Bermuda

 Fun Fact #600

Building Bermuda

When it was discovered in the 1500s by Juan de Bermúdez, Bermuda was empty of any humans. Over 100 years the 181 Islands wouldn’t change much being nicknamed “The Isle of Devils” by the Spanish and Portuguese for the unpleasantly loud calls of local birds.

Then in 1609 The Britain's 3rd Jamestown Settlement Resupply Fleet effort literally went south when a hurricane separated the fleet and began sinking the ships. Notably, the Flagship Sea Venture fought to stay afloat for 3 days among the storm while encountering strange weather phenomena like St. Elmo’s Fires in the ship’s rigging. Fearing for their lives, they rammed what is now “Sea Venture Reef” in Bermuda, and used the Longboats to ferry the 140 survivors to the shore. After the storm passed they built new ships and visited Jamestown. Arriving during The Starving Time” they quickly decided their tropical island full of pigs, fruit and even semi-edible trees was far better and returned to Bermuda in rebellion. Britain responded by declaring it would become a “Prison Settlement” allowing European countries to banish people to the isles from that point onwards.

Thus began The settlement of New London –The oldest Continuous English Town in the New World. It soon became known for its prized timber since Bermuda Juniper is stronger than Oak, as light as Balsa, and pest resistant. Best of all Bermudan ships were built faster than most other shipyards in the world as the wood could be worked with as soon as it was felled, having little warping as it dried, and be used in healing soups. All of which made it the center of Settlement efforts –and oddly the mail service– in North America.

Jeez, does anyone else notice that Britain had a habit of starting all their most successful colonies as “Prisons”, with Banishment, or with people seeking escape from persecution? Seriously Bermuda, Australia, certain North American Colonies, The West Indies, and even parts of India! In Any case thank you for reading Today's Fun Fact. My apologies about the Hiatus, but I do hope you enjoy This month's Theme exploring "The American Revolution" . . . Admittedly this week is mostly set long before that but it will make sense by the end I promise! Until then, I hope you have a wonderful day!