Bahama Island Passport 1945 Colonial Office

Bahama Island Passport 1945

The name Bahamas is of Lucayan Taino (Arawakan) derivation, although some historians believe it is from the Spanish bajamar, meaning “shallow water.” The islands occupy a position commanding the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the entire Central American region. Their strategic location has given the history of The Bahamas a unique and often striking character. It was there that Christopher Columbus made his original landfall in the Americas.

From 1714 the Bahama Islands were a Crown Colony. Between 1799 and 1848 the Turks and Caicos Islands were a dependency of Bahamas. External affairs greatly influenced the events of the Bahama Islands. It was in time of war, especially during the Seven Years War (1756-1763) and the American War of Independence (1775-1783) that the Bahamians had a chance of doing well by privateering. When this passport was issued HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor was Colonial Governor from 18 August 1940–1945.

During the American War of Independence, the Bahamas were briefly occupied by both American and Spanish forces. In 1964, the Bahamas achieved self-governance, and, in 1973, full independence.

The passport is in the name of Louise Albertha Taylor from San Salvador, Bahamas, DOB 2 November 1917. Issued on 19 March 1945 by the Colonial Secretaries Office with a visa for the United States. A British Bahama Island passport is surely something you don’t find often, they are actually quite rare. The population in 1945 was approximately only 70000 citizens, but who had a passport back them? Not many! This Bahama Island booklet is a precious passport historical document.

The British Empire is rich in passport types which makes it attractive for collectors to get these travel documents. One of the rarest territories is e.g. NORTH BORNEO. I have seen once such a passport and it was in surprisingly fantastic condition.

Bahama Island Passport 1945

Tom Topol | Passport Historian & Author
Featured by CNN, BBC & Newsweek. Awarded by the U.S. Department of State
Contact | Press & Media | Books