Gun Point

"Gun Point" - Eleuthera Painting by Alton R. Lowe

When I painted “Gun Point” many years ago, I was well aware of its long history. Eleuthera, meaning “freedom”, in Greek was populated in 1648 by a group of Puritans seeking religious freedom. They made the island the first permanent settlement in the Bahama Islands.

Captain William Sayles and his co-religionists might be surprised if they could see the island today. The beautiful cliffs at Gun Point remain unspoiled with its sandy beach which makes it an excellent site for swimming. Nearby is Preacher’s Cave which not only provided protection for the new European arrivals, but also for the Lucayan Indians before them. It was this island, as well, which was home for many years to the sweetest pineapples in the Americas.

Today, there are still many places on this ninety mile long (and only one mile wide in many places) island with its rolling hills that beckon to visitors to stop awhile and enjoy the unique beauty of a very special place. - Alton