Historical Sites/Monuments - Government

Government

Historical Sites/Monuments

Fort Charlotte

This 18th century military complex is located on a high ridge running parallel to West Bay Street, a five- minute walk from the city centre along Marcus Bethel Way and about 15-20 minutes from the resort of Cable Beach. At its western extremity is the entrance to the botanic gardens.

Fort Charlotte, constructed during the governorship of Lord Dunmore, was named in honor of the wife of King George III. There are actually three forts: Fort Charlotte, the eastern section, Fort Stanley, the middle section and Fort D’Arcy, the western section. The building of the forts, out of solid rock, was begun in 1787 and completed in 1819. A dry moat surrounds Fort Charlotte and is spanned by a wooden bridge on the north side. The forts and military installations in New Providence and throughout The Bahamas, formed such an insurmountable defence system that potential invaders were discouraged and as a result these forts never fired a gun in battle.

Today the fort complex is outfitted with exhibits displaying the history of this fortification. Reenactments and historic weapon firing are a part of the ongoing interpretative program planned for the fort.

Fort Fincastle

Built around 1793 on Bennett’s Hill, the fort overlooks the Queen’s Staircase, and is often accessed that way by visitors on foot.

This fort shaped like a paddle-steamer, Lord Dunmore called Fort Fincastle, after his second title, Viscount Fincastle. The fort overlooked Nassau and Paradise Island and the eastern approaches to New Providence. It mounted two 24 pounders, two 32 pounders, two 12 pounder cannons and one howitzer. It served as a lighthouse until September 1817 when it was replaced by the lighthouse on Paradise Island. It was subsequently used as a signal station.

Balcony House Museum

This house museum was restored in 1994 and opened to the public. Balcony House was owned by Josephine Bryce, an American heiress who furnished the house exquisitely with quaint antique furniture from around the world. The House served as her in-town cottage from the 1930s – 1980s. The interior was recreated by interior designer, Annie Ralston, who incorporated Mrs. Bryce’s furnishings.

The building represents great architectural interest. It is timber-built in a style influenced by the southeast United States. The most remarkable feature of the house is the front balcony which is partly supported by wooden knee brackets. The fine mahogany interior staircase is said to have been salvaged from a ship. There is a detached stone kitchen at the rear.

The earliest life of the house possibly dates back to about 1788, as a map of the Town of Nassau indicates a structure on the site, which would place it in the Loyalist period of history. Stephen Dillet, the first coloured person to be elected in The Bahamas lived in the house during the mid 1800s.

Balcony House, that pretty little pink house, is perhaps the oldest residential building in the city of Nassau.

For more information on Historical Sites/Monuments please visit Antiquities, Monuments & Museums Corporation website.

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