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The chart and following text are from The Southern Bahamas Guide by Stephen J. Pavlidis

The Crooked Island District is composed of three major islands, Crooked Island, Acklins Island, and Long Cay, which together encompass approximately 260 square miles of land lying inside twice that amount of shallow water. On some old charts the cays are called The Fragrant Islands. When Columbus visited the island group on October 21, 1492, the rich aroma of the cascarilla bark caused him to think that he had discovered the Spice Islands of the Indies. It is said that Columbus was directed to Crooked Island by Lucayan Indians who spoke of an island called Samoete and of gold being found there. Finding no such island or gold, Columbus continued on toward Cuba. Columbus christened Crooked Island Isabella after his Queen and named Portland Harbour Cabo Hermoso or Beautiful Cape.

The islands and cays that make up the Crooked/Acklins group are still untouched by large developments and retain much of their natural flavor. Acklins is a very peaceful, undisturbed, quiet island where the residents say you have to "…make your own sunshine," in other words you are on your own. The cays are home for flocks of pink flamingos, osprey, egrets, and herons and the waters of some of the interior sections of the Bight of Acklins are excellent for bonefish and tarpon.

In the 1800’s the Crooked Island District was more populated than any other Bahamian Islands. Albert Town on Long Cay was a Port of Entry and was heavily visited by commercial vessels. At this time Crooked Island had a population of 3,000-4,000, Acklins boasted 3,000-4,000, and Long Cay was home to almost 2,000 people. When steam replaced sail power as the principal means of ship propulsion and the shipping routes changed accordingly, the huge population of the district quickly dissipated, almost overnight, to other economically healthier areas. Today’s population of over 1,200 Crooked/Acklins Islanders is far less than the original inhabitants, the Lucayan Indians. Over 30 Lucayan Indian sites have been found on Acklins Island and over 10 on Crooked Island.

Spelunkers will note that Crooked Island is noted for its extensive cave system. Today the primary export of the Crooked Island group is cascarilla and madeira bark, the base for the aperitif, Campari.