As Mississippians, one of the things we enjoy about travel is finding connections between people and places. Somehow, it makes the world seem more intimate and friendly while reminding us that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves. Thanks to our Jackson friend, Steve Ludlam, for sharing the story of his great grandfather, Samuel Bishop Ludlam, whose grave lies at the western tip of Bimini Island, Bahamas, just a few blocks from our marina.
In 1906, Samuel served as an officer on a steamer sailing from Baltimore to Havana that got caught in a hurricane. The crew tried to make it to Alice Town, Bimini, but missed the narrow channel between north and south Bimini, wrecking just off the coast in the storm. Samuel rescued many crew members but, sadly, was unable to save himself, perishing in the waves. With Steve's precise directions, we found the gravesite in a small cemetery on the windswept tip of the island and paid our respects. Readers can see the grave marker in the photos below, just to the left of the lone palm tree at the top of the cemetery.
This IS a small world story, Kay! Very touching to remember the things friends do for friends.....I can imagine how the Ludlams appreciate it. Sending our love to you to Bimini and Beyond!