Nassau (/ˈnæsɔː/NASS-aw) is thecapital and largest city ofThe Bahamas. It is on the island ofNew Providence, which has a population of 296,522, which is 74.26% of the country's population.[3] Nassau is commonly defined as aprimate city, dwarfing all other towns in the country.[4] It is the centre of commerce, education, law, administration, and media of the country.
Nassau's modern growth began in the late eighteenth century, with the influx of thousands ofLoyalists and their slaves to The Bahamas following theAmerican War of Independence. Many of them settled in Nassau and eventually came to outnumber the original inhabitants.
As the population of Nassau grew, so did its populated areas. Today, the city dominates the entire island. However, until the post-Second World War era, the outer suburbs scarcely existed. Most of New Providence was uncultivated bush until Loyalists were resettled there following the American Revolutionary War; they established several plantations, such as Clifton and Tusculum. Slaves were imported as labour.
After the British abolished the international slave trade in 1807, they resettled thousands of Africans liberated from slave ships by theRoyal Navy on New Providence (at Adelaide Village and Gambier Village), along with other islands such as Grand Bahama, Exuma, Abaco and Inagua. In addition, slaves freed from American ships, such as theslave shipCreole in November 1841, were allowed to settle there. The largest concentration of Africans historically lived in the "Over-the-Hill" suburbs of Grants Town and Bain Town to the south of the city of Nassau, while most of the inhabitants of European descent lived on the island's northern coastal ridges.
The town that would be called Nassau was founded in 1670 by British noblemen who brought British settlers with them to New Providence. They built a fort, and named itCharles Town in honour of England's King Charles II.[6] During this time there were frequent wars with theSpanish, and Charles Town was used as a base forprivateering against them. In 1684 the town was burned to the ground during theRaid on Charles Town. It was rebuilt in 1695 under Governor Nicholas Trott and renamedNassau in honour of KingWilliam III, who belonged to a branch of theHouse of Nassau. William was the DutchStadtholder (stadhouder in Dutch), and, from 1689, the King of England, Scotland and Ireland. The name Nassau ultimately derives from the town ofNassau in Germany.[7]
Wesleyan Chapel and Mission Premises. In the Eastern District of New Providence, Bahamas (p.6, 1849) (Ebenezer Methodist Church, Nassau, Bahamas)[8]Jolly Roger of the Flying Gang
Lacking effective governors after Trott, Nassau fell on hard times. In 1703, Spanish and French allied forcesbriefly occupied Nassau. More so, Nassau suffered greatly during theWar of Spanish Succession and witnessed Spanish incursions during 1703, 1704 and 1706. From 1703 to 1718, there was no legitimate governor in the colony. Thomas Walker was the island's last remaining appointed official and although evidence is scarce, it appears that he was acting in the role of deputy governor uponBenjamin Hornigold's arrival in 1713. By this time, the sparsely settled Bahamas had become apirate haven known asNew Providence. The Governor of Bermuda stated that there were over 1,000 pirates in Nassau and that they outnumbered the mere hundred inhabitants of the town. They proclaimed Nassau apirate republic, recognising the island's prosperous state in which it offered fresh fruit, meat and water and plenty of protection amid its waterways. Nassau's harbour was tailor-made for defence and it could take around 500 vessels, though it was too shallow to accept large battleships. Benjamin Hornigold, along with his great rivalHenry Jennings, became the unofficial overlord of a veritable pirate republic which played host to the self-styledFlying Gang. Other pirates of note that spent time in Nassau includedCharles Vane,Thomas Barrow (who declared himself "Governor of New Providence"),[9]John Rackham,Anne Bonny,Mary Read, and the infamous Edward Teach, better known as "Blackbeard".
In 1718, the British government sought to regain control of the islands and appointed CaptainWoodes Rogers as Royal governor. He successfully clamped down on the pirates, reformed the civil administration, and restored commerce. Rogers cleaned up Nassau and rebuilt the fort, using his own wealth to try to overcome problems. In 1720, theSpanish attacked Nassau but failed to capture the town and the island.[10]
During the wars in theThirteen Colonies, Nassau experienced an economic boom. With funds from privateering, a new fort, street lights and over 2300 sumptuous houses were built and Nassau was extended. In addition to this, mosquito breeding swamps were filled.
In 1776, theBattle of Nassau resulted in a brief occupation by AmericanContinental Marines during theAmerican War of Independence, where the marines staged their first amphibious raid on Fort Montague after attempting to sneak up on Fort Nassau. In 1778 after an overnight invasion, American raiders led by Captain Rathbun, left with ships, gunpowder and military stores after stopping in Nassau for only two weeks. In 1782,Spain captured Nassau for the last time when Don Juan de Cagigal, governor-general of Cuba, attacked New Providence with 5,000 men. In April 1783,Andrew Deveaux, an American Loyalist who resettled on the island, set forthand recaptured the island for the British Crown with just 220 men and 150 muskets to face a force of 600 trained soldiers.
During theAmerican Civil War, Nassau served as a port forblockade runners making their way to and from ports along the southern Atlantic Coast for continued trade with the Confederacy.
During theCuban Revolution of 1959, tourism further benefited due to therestrictions imposed on American citizens visitingCuba. Today, Nassau's location close to theUnited States and ties between the U.S. and TheBahamas make it a common tourist destination.[11]
Located onNew Providence Island, Nassau's harbour has a blend of old world and colonial architecture, and a busy port. The tropicalclimate and natural environment of The Bahamas have made Nassau an attractivetourist destination.
Nassau developed directly behind the port area. New Providence provides 200 km2 of relatively flat and low-lying land intersected by low ridges (none of which restricted settlement). In the centre of the island there are several shallow lakes that are tidally connected.
The city's proximity to the United States (290 km (181 miles) east-southeast ofMiami, Florida) has contributed to its popularity as a holiday resort, especially after the United States imposed a ban on travel toCuba in 1963. TheAtlantis resort on nearbyParadise Island accounts for more tourist arrivals to the city than any other hotel property of Nassau. Themega-resort employs over 6,000 Bahamians, and is the largest employer outside of the government.
Nassau has atropical monsoon climate (Köppen:Am), bordering on atropical savanna climate (Köppen:Aw), with hot wet summers, and mild dry winters.[12][13] Temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the course of the year. During the wet season from May through October, average daytime high temperatures are 30–32 °C (86–90 °F), while during the dry season from November through April daytime temperatures are between 25 and 27 °C (77 and 81 °F), rarely falling below 15 °C (59 °F).
During the 19th century, Nassau became urbanized, attracting rural residents. Growth since the 1950s has been outwards from the town. The 1788 heart of Nassau was just a few blocks of buildings between Government House and the harbour, but the town gradually expanded east to Malcolm's Park, south to Wulff Road, and west to Nassau Street. Grants Town and Bain Town south of the city became the main residential areas for those of African descent, and until about 30 years ago was the most populous part of the city.
Those of European descent built houses along the shore, east as far as Fort Montagu, west as far as Saunders Beach, and along the ridge edging the city. During the 20th century, the city spread east to Village Road and west to Fort Charlotte and Oakes Field. This semicircle of residential development was the main area of settlement until after the Second World War, and marks a distinct phase in the city's expansion, the outer boundary to this zone being the effective limit of the continuous built-up area. The wealthier residents continued to spread east (to East End Point) and West (toLyford Cay).
In the last 40 years, residential development has been quite different. It has consisted mainly of planned middle-income sub-divisions. Since the 1960s, government has sponsored low-cost housing developments at Yellow Elder, Elizabeth Estates, and Pinewood Gardens, in the outer ring.
The city centre is the hub for all activities in Nassau. Thousands of people visit daily, to shop, dine, sightsee and to enjoy the tropical climate of the city. While the busiest part of central city is the Bay Street thoroughfare and the Woodes Rogers Walk, located across the street from the port and parallel to Bay, the area extends for several blocks in each direction. It starts at West Bay, around the Junkanoo Beach area. A few hotels and restaurants are located on West Bay.
The next landmark is the British Colonial Hotel, which marks the beginning of Bay Street proper. Pirates of Nassau Museum is just across from theBritish Colonial Hilton. The next few blocks of Bay Street are wall-to-wall boutiques, with a few restaurants and clubs interspersed throughout the retailers.
Historical landmarks are also in the vicinity, including Vendue House, Christ Church Cathedral, and theNassau Public Library. Although the tourist part of the city centre peters out after about seven blocks, smaller, more local shops are located down Bay Street. At this point, Bay Street becomes East Bay.
The Straw Market is a tourist destination in the city centre. A new market was opened in 2011 after a fire in 2001 destroyed the original Fish, Vegetable and Straw Market. The market is open on all sides, and contains a number of Bahamian craft stores.[17]
Cable Beach is recognized as the hotel district of Nassau. Five hotels—two of which are all-inclusive—are located on this strip.
Aerial view of the Hilton Resort in Nassau
The area is also known for its dining, with most of the area's restaurants in the hotels or across the street. There is a bit of shopping, most of it in the Wyndham and at Baha Mar. In 2017, the development of Baha Mar, a luxury resort and casino, brought more than 2,000 hotel rooms and the largest gaming and convention facility in the Caribbean to this section of New Providence Island.
Nassau had apopulation of 128,420 females and 117,909 males and was home to 70,222households with an average family size of 3.5 according to the 2010census.[19] Nassau's large population in relation to the remainder of The Bahamas is the result of waves ofimmigration from theFamily Islands to thecapital. Consequently, this has led to the decline in the population of the lesser developed islands and the rapid growth of Nassau.[20][21]
Transportation and shipping around the Family Islands is primarily through mailboats based at Potters Cay. International shipping is done through the Arawak Port Department on Arawak Cay. High speed excursions to Exuma, Spanish Wells and Harbour Island are available daily.
Publicjitney buses and taxis provide transport in and around Nassau. Rental cars are also available in the city and at the airport.
Major roads in Nassau include:
Bay Street
Eastern Road
Baillou Hill Road (Pronounced "Blue Hill Road" by locals)
East Street
Adelaide Road
Shirley Street
Soldier Road
Carmicheal Road
Prince Charles Drive
John F Kennedy Drive
Fox Hill Road
Wulff Road
Robinson Road
The major road in Nassau is Bay Street for tourists. Bay Street runs the entire length of the Island from East to West. Bay Street also provides beachfront views. The downtown area and the cruise ships are in walking distance.
The Bahamas is aleft-hand traffic country, but many cars are imported from the US and are left-hand drive.
Nassau has been recognized as a part of theUNESCOCreative Cities Network as a city of Crafts and Folk Art. It is one of only threeCaribbean cities to receive this honour.[24]
Junkanoo participant in costume during the 2006 Parade
The city's chief festival isJunkanoo, an energetic, colourful street parade of brightly costumed people dancing to the rhythmic accompaniment of cowbells, drums and whistles.[25] The word 'Junkanoo' is derived from the name of the founder:John Canoe. The celebration occurs on 26 December, 10 July and 1 January, beginning in the early hours of the morning (1:00 a.m.) and ending around 10 a.m. At the end of the Junkanoo procession, judges award cash prizes for the best music, costumes, and overall group presentation. Participants spend all year preparing their handmade costumes by using coloured crepe paper and cardboard.
Nassau Town is mentioned in "Sloop John B", a Bahamian folk song. Since the early 1950s there have been many recordings of the song, the best known being byThe Beach Boys on theirPet Sounds album.
^Klausmann, Ulrike; Meinzerin, Marion;Kuhn, Gabriel (1997).Women Pirates and the Politics of the Jolly Roger (1st ed.). C.P. 1258 Succ. Place du Parc Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2W2R3: Black Rose Books Ltd. p. 192.ISBN1-55164-058-9.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
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