The islands were settled in 1836 by Governor William Colebrooke with a group of freed slaves.

The Berry islands are still relatively undeveloped, with two small regional airports and no hotels, but do have townhouses and beach villas for rent for visitors.

Little Stirrup Cay is leased by Royal Caribbean International, which calls it CocoCay, and acts as a private island for tropical activities engaged in by visitors on its cruise ships of the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises labels.

Great Stirrup Cay is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and is used for similar purposes.

For elections to the Parliament of the Bahamas, the district is part of the North Andros and Berry Islands constituency.