Nassau

Nassau, Bahamas: Once ruled by pirates, Nassau is the capital city of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Located on New Providence island, it is about 175 miles from Florida and its proximity to the US, makes it a popular stop for cruise itineraries.

The area was originally known as Charles Town prior to being burnt down by the Spanish in 1684. The region was rebuilt in 1695 and was renamed Nassau in honor of King William III.

By the early 1700’s the island was declared a pirate republic and pirate’s Thomas Barrow and Benjamin Hornigold were declared its governors. The island quickly became home to many famous pirates including Edward Teach (Blackbeard), Calico Jack and Anne Bonny.

The pirates controlled the island until British troops lead by Captain Woodes Rogers regained control of the island in 1718. Blackbeard was overthrown as magistrate, ending the Privateers Republic and transferring control back to the British.

British lost control of the island briefly in 1776 as the Americans took over the island during the Battle of Nassau. Then the Spanish took the island in 1782 when an army of 5000 Spaniards from Cuba seized the island. The Spanish ruled Nassau until Andrew Deveaux regained control of the island for the British once and for all.

Although the island was no longer a pirate haven, it was still a place for others to seek refuge while defying laws elsewhere. During the Civil War, it served as a transfer point as ships tried to clear the blockade of Confederate ports. Then during prohibition it served as a supply source for rumrunners.

Following the World Wars, tourism to Nassau and the Bahamas began to increase. Today over 40% of the country’s gross domestic product comes from the tourism industry. Its proximity to the United States allows for cruise lines to make a stop in Nassau before returning back to the US. Making Prince George Wharf and surrounding shopping districts pretty busy, sometimes seeing as many as seven cruise ships docked at one time.

For more photos, visit my Nassau photo page.

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