Originally named Santa Maria de la Conception by Christopher Columbus. Rum Cay derives its present day name for the cargo carried by West Indies sailing vessels during the rum-running years of the 1800's. Arawak Indians lived peacefully on Rum Cay when Columbus briefly disturbed their tranquility in 1492. One of the smaller islands, it comprises only 29 square miles running 10 miles east to west and spanning only 5 miles at the ester end, and is located 20 miles due east of Cape Santa Maria, Long Island and about 20 miles southwest of San Salvador Island. The population here is approximately 100 inhabitants, with the only settlement being Port Nelson on the southern coast; a picturesque village surrounded by coconut trees.