 The islands was settled by BermudianBritish salt collectors in 1678, but they were not annexed until 1799.From 1799-1848 it was governed by the Governor of the Bahamas and 1873 to 1959 with local Council President (1848–1874) and by the Governor of Jamaica with local administration by Commissioners (1874–1959).A formal Governor was not added until 1959.