New ProvidenceOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Charles Town to Pirate Republic

New Providence, where Nassau is located, was settled around 1666, becoming the center of government for The Bahamas. The town was founded in 1670 by British noblemen and named Charles Town, honoring King Charles II of England. It served as a base for privateering against the Spanish during frequent wars. Charles Town was burned by the Spanish in 1684 during the Raid on Charles Town. It was rebuilt in 1695 under Governor Nicholas Trott and renamed Nassau, in honor of King William III, who belonged to the House of Nassau.

By the early 18th century, Nassau became a haven for pirates. The shallow, reef-strewn waters around the island were suitable for pirate ships, as larger naval warships struggled to navigate them. Over 1,000 pirates, including figures like Blackbeard, outnumbered the legitimate inhabitants of the town. This period, sometimes called the "Republic of Pirates," was a social experiment where women served as crew. The British Crown, seeking to suppress this lawlessness, sent Woodes Rogers as the first Royal Governor in 1718. He offered a royal pardon to pirates who surrendered; those who refused were hanged.

Loyalist Influence and Economic Shifts

Nassau's modern growth began in the late 18th century with the arrival of thousands of Loyalists and their enslaved people following the American Revolutionary War. Many settled in Nassau, eventually outnumbering the original inhabitants and establishing plantations like Clifton and Tusculum. The architecture of the period, particularly Georgian Colonial styles, was influenced by these Loyalists. After the British abolished the international slave trade in 1807, thousands of Africans liberated from slave ships were resettled on New Providence.

A significant economic boom occurred during the American Civil War in the 1860s, as Nassau became a hub for Confederates trading cotton for European supplies, running through the Union blockade. Another period of prosperity came during American Prohibition from 1920 to 1933, when Nassau legally supplied liquor, enriching many Bahamian families. Nassau officially became a city in 1861, the same year Christ Church was elevated to Cathedral status.

• —Parliament Square — This square is the political center of The Bahamas, with pastel pink, Georgian-style government buildings, including the House of Assembly, the Senate Building, and the Supreme Court. A marble statue of Queen Victoria, erected in 1905, stands in front of the Senate Building.
• —Nassau Public Library & Museum — Housed in an octagonal building that was originally a colonial jail built between 1797 and 1798, this institution became a library in 1873. The former prison cells now hold old colonial documents, books, and Arawak artifacts.
• —Queen's Staircase — Carved out of solid limestone by 600 enslaved people between 1793 and 1794, these 65 steps (originally 66) provided a direct route from downtown Nassau to Fort Fincastle. It was later named in honor of Queen Victoria's role in the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.
• —Fort Fincastle — Constructed in 1793 under Lord Dunmore, this fort sits atop Bennet's Hill, providing views over Nassau and the harbor. Built of local limestone, its shape is said to resemble a paddle steamer.
• —Government House — This is the official residence of the Governor-General of The Bahamas, an example of Georgian colonial architecture. The building, largely dating to 1806, is painted in a conch-pink color and features Ionic columns.
• —Christ Church Cathedral — Dating back to 1670 with its first structure, the current fifth iteration of this Anglican cathedral opened for services in 1841. It became a cathedral in 1861 and is known as the "Mother Church" of all Anglican churches in The Bahamas.
• —Clifton Heritage National Park — On the western end of New Providence, this 208-acre park preserves nearly a millennium of Bahamian history, from Lucayan settlements to Loyalist plantations and enslaved African communities. Visitors can explore coastal trails, archaeological sites, and the ruins of the Wylly Plantation.
• —Jaws Beach — Within Clifton Heritage National Park, this beach was a filming location for several scenes in the movie Jaws: The Revenge.

The dry season, from December to May, is generally suitable for a visit to New Providence. Temperatures are typically in the 70s and low 80s Fahrenheit (20s Celsius), and humidity is lower. This period also includes various local festivals. However, it is also peak tourist season, which means larger crowds and higher prices for accommodation and flights.

The hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk in August, September, and October. Travel during this time can offer lower prices, but there is a chance of tropical storms or hurricanes, which can disrupt travel plans and close attractions.

New Providence is served by Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), located about 10 miles (16 km) west of downtown Nassau. Taxis are available at the airport. In downtown Nassau, many historical attractions like Parliament Square, the Queen's Staircase, and Fort Fincastle are within walking distance of each other and the cruise port.

For longer distances, local buses, known as jitneys, offer an affordable way to get around the island, with routes covering areas along West Bay Street. Taxis are also available. Parking in downtown Nassau can be challenging. If driving, look for designated parking lots or spaces along side streets. The Straw Market on Bay Street is a shopping area, and Potter's Cay, beneath the Paradise Island Bridge, is a market for fresh seafood and local goods.