Statue

The Statue of Christopher Columbus which stands on the steps leading to Government House, was modelled in London by the Aide to Washington Irving, and presented to The Bahamas in 1830 by one of its Governors, Sir James Carmichael Smythe.

Plaque

Governor Richard Fitzwilliam (1733-1738) built the original house on top of Mount Fitzwilliam for himself.  In 1799 the Government purchased this ten acre estate from Paul Dromgole for 4000. Os. Od. and the present Government House was built during the Governorships of John Halkett and Charles Cameron between 1803 and 1806.  The eastern wing was added between 1907 and 1910 to provide a ballroom and offices.  The 1929 hurricane badly damaged the building, it was torn down and a new house erected.  The interior was redecorated and additions made in 1940 when the Duke of Windsor became Governor of The Bahamas.  The statue of Christopher Columbus modelled in London with the aid of Washington Irving was imported by Governor Sir James Carmichael Smyth in 1830.