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Old Fort of Nassau Site

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Historical site
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Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)

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The site of the Old Fort of Nassau marks the foundation of military defense in the Bahamian capital. Originally constructed in 1697 during the administration of Governor Nicholas Webb, the fort was designed to protect the fledgling settlement from frequent raids by pirates and hostile European powers. During the War of the Spanish Succession in 1703, a combined French and Spanish force attacked the fort, leaving it nearly destroyed and ushering in a period of lawlessness where Nassau became known as a 'Privateers' Republic.' Although the fort saw various stages of reconstruction, its military utility declined following the construction of the more strategically positioned Fort Charlotte and Fort Fincastle in the late 18th century. By the 1890s, the final remnants were cleared to make way for the Hotel Victoria and subsequently the grand British Colonial Hotel. Today, the British Colonial Hilton stands on this historic ground, where only commemorative markers and historical accounts remain of the first bastion that once guarded the strategic harbor.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232323252628292929282524
Rain mm383340611271621301541641196840

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Old Fort of Nassau Site is an open-air historical area with low stone foundations marking the original fort. Visitors can explore freely at any time and read informative plaques about its 17th-century harbour defense role.
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Typical hours
The site is accessible outdoors 24/7, so there are no fixed opening hours. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for better visibility of the ruins and plaques.
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Photography
Photography is permitted and encouraged, with the best shots in early morning or late afternoon light. You can capture the ruins against the modern Nassau skyline for a striking contrast.
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Time needed
Allow about 20 to 30 minutes to walk around the site and read the interpretive signs. Combining it with a stroll along the nearby waterfront makes for a pleasant short visit.
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Combine with
Combine this site with a visit to the nearby Pirates of Nassau Museum or the Queen's Staircase in downtown Nassau. The Straw Market and cruise port are also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The site is located on West Bay Street near the cruise port, easily reachable on foot from downtown Nassau. Taxis and local buses (jitneys) also stop nearby; look for the fort marker near the British Colonial Hilton.
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Insider tip
Visit early in the morning to avoid cruise ship crowds and get a quieter experience. The site is small, so you can easily include it in a walking tour of Nassau's historic harbour area.

Geography

Coordinates
25.07900, -77.34400

Facts

  • The fort was originally completed in the year 1697.
  • Governor Nicholas Webb ordered its construction to deter pirate attacks.
  • In 1703, the fort was almost entirely destroyed by a French and Spanish fleet.
  • The fortification was equipped with 22 cannons to guard the harbor entrance.
  • The final remnants were demolished in the 1890s for hotel development.
  • The current British Colonial Hilton Hotel occupies the original site of the fort.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Government HouseGovernment House<1 km · SWExplore →
Playground near Fort CharlottePlayground near Fort Charlotte2 km · SExplore →
Dundas Centre for the Performing ArtsDundas Centre for the Performing Arts2 km · NExplore →
Cowpen Road Industrial StripCowpen Road Industrial Strip3 km · SExplore →
The CloistersThe Cloisters4 km · NExplore →
Baha Mar ResortBaha Mar Resort6 km · SExplore →
Sea Lions at Blue Lagoon IslandSea Lions at Blue Lagoon Island6 km · NExplore →
Wade's Green PlantationWade's Green Plantation7 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Old Fort of Nassau Site (3)

Bay Street (Nassau)📍 landmark

Bay Street is the main commercial street in Nassau. It runs along the harbor and is lined with shops and restaurants.

St. Andrews Presbyterian Kirk📍 landmark

St. Andrews Presbyterian Kirk is a church in Nassau. It was built in the 19th century and has a simple style.

Government House, Nassau📍 landmark

Government House is the official residence of the Governor-General in Nassau. The building sits on a hill overlooking the harbor.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can still be seen of the old fort today?
Mostly just foundations, as the fort was demolished in the 19th century.
Where exactly was the fort located?
Where the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau stands today.
Why was it built?
To protect Nassau's harbor from pirates and enemy fleets.
Is the site publicly accessible?
As it is on hotel property, access may be partially restricted.
Are there information plaques?
Yes, there are plaques indicating the historical significance of the site.
Old Fort of Nassau Site: where is it located?
Old Fort of Nassau Site is located in Bahamas.
Old Fort of Nassau Site: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bay Street (Nassau), St. Andrews Presbyterian Kirk, Government House, Nassau.
Old Fort of Nassau Site: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Old Fort of Nassau Site: why is it worth visiting?
The site of the Old Fort of Nassau marks the foundation of military defense in the Bahamian capital.
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History & landmarks

Straw Market Nassau — Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)
Straw Market Nassau
A famous open-air market in Nassau for handmade straw goods.
Gregory&#39;s Arch — Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)
Gregory's Arch
A stone arch that forms a picturesque boundary between downtown and the 'Over-the-Hill' settlement.
Nassau Cenotaph — Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)
Nassau Cenotaph
A war memorial in Nassau dedicated to Bahamians who fell in both World Wars.
Villa Doyle — Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)
Villa Doyle
An impressive historic mansion that today houses the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.
Rawson Square — Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)
Rawson Square
The center of downtown Nassau, often the gateway for cruise ship passengers.
Supreme Court of the Bahamas — Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)
Supreme Court of the Bahamas
A classic colonial building serving as the highest judicial center of the Bahamas.
Shirley Street Post Office — Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)
Shirley Street Post Office
A prominent government building that provided postal services for the downtown area.
Royal Victoria Hotel Ruins — Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)
Royal Victoria Hotel Ruins
The remains of the Bahamas' first luxury hotel, built during the American Civil War.

More places

Government House — Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)
Government House
The official residence of the Governor-General of The Bahamas, known for its coral-pink facade.
Vendue House — Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)
Vendue House
Former marketplace, now the Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation.
Prince George Wharf — Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)
Prince George Wharf
The main cruise pier in Nassau Harbour.
Three Queens Statue — Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)
Three Queens Statue
A statue in Nassau honoring three important queens in British and Bahamian history.
Graycliff Chocolatier — Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)
Graycliff Chocolatier
A chocolate factory in Nassau where kids and adults can take tours and learn to make their own chocolate creations.
Nassau Cargo Port — Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)
Nassau Cargo Port
A key cargo hub for containers and trade goods in Nassau.
Pirates of Nassau Museum — Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)
Pirates of Nassau Museum
An interactive museum for kids and adults that recreates the golden age of piracy in The Bahamas.
Parliament Square — Old Fort of Nassau Site (Bahamas)
Parliament Square
The center of Bahamian government, featuring pink-hued colonial buildings.