Bermuda’s history dates back at least to the early 1500s, when sea captain Juan de Bermudez sighted the island, which were uninhabited at the time. Spain didn’t claim the islands but they became a navigational landmark for future sailors.

In 1609 British Admiral Sir George Somers was en route to America when he shipwrecked on the islands and determined they were a nice place to stay awhile. He rebuilt his shop with Bermuda wood, but left behind several men so the British could claim the islands.

Over time, various claims were made on Bermuda, and both the British and Americans built military bases there, but today, Bermuda’s real claim to fame is its value to vacation seekers. In fact, tourism is a major industry in Bermuda, and Princess Louise, who was the daughter of Queen Victoria, is credited with establishing the tourist industry in Bermuda, when she took an extended holiday here in 1883. 

By the turn of the century, Bermuda had turned into a warm spot to hand one’s winter hat not only for British citizens, but also Americans, Canadians and others, who discovered that Bermuda’s proximity made it an easy getaway.

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, but there is frequently talk of gaining independence.