Exploring the Forts of Nassau with Children

The forts and military installations in New Providence and throughout The Bahamas formed such an insurmountable defence system in Colonial days that potential invaders were discouraged for attacking the Bahamas. These forts never fired a single gun in battle and remain in impeccable condition. The grounds are perfect playgrounds for children to explore; the history is the stuff of legend and child fantasy. 

Fort Charlotte
A dry moat surrounds Fort Charlotte and is spanned by a wooden bridge on the north side. This is the largest fort in New Providence, with lots of gounds to explore and feed your child's hunger for adventure. At the highest point, the view of the Nassau Harbour is Instagram worthy. Stare down the barrel of a canon as you examine it close up and tour the inside of the fort as you learn its history. Fort Charlotte was constructed during the governorship of Lord Dunmore and was named in honor of the wife of King George III. There are actually three forts at this sight built over the span of 1787 and 1819: Fort Charlotte, the eastern section; Fort Stanley, the middle section and Fort D’Arcy, the western section. In the 2013, Fort Charlotte staged its first reenactment and historic weapon firing ceremony, which is expected to continue on a regular cycle in the New Year.

Fort Fincastle and The Queen's Staircase 

The 1793 Fort Fincastle on Bennett’s Hill is a sister attraction to the Queen's Staircase. Built in the shape of a paddle steamer, the striking structure once had almost 70 cannons mounted on its perimeter, including a short barrel Howitzer cannon. 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.

Fort Fincastle sits at the head of The Queen's Staircase: Here children can learn about the enslaved Africans who carved 65 steps out of solid limestone in the late 1700s. The 65 steps in the 102-foot staircase are said to represent the 65-year reign of Queen Victoria. The steps were originally constructed as a protected way for soldiers to reach the hilltop Fort Fincastle. Nowadays The staircase is a great way to reach other Nassau attractions, including Bennett's Hill, Gregory's Arch, the Graycliff Hotel, and other popular visitor sites. Bahamians use the steps in the mornings and evenings for their daily exercise regimes.

Fort Montague

Fort Montague is the smallest of the main forts in Nassau and the only one located directly on the coast. Sitting on an active public beach, Fort Charlotte is also the only unmanned fort. Unlike Fort Charlotte and Fort Fincastle, which both have administrations that coordinate tours and develop the sites as attractions, Fort Montague stands all on it own. Unattended but commanding nonetheless. The fort was built between 1741-42 by Peter Henry Bruce, an engineer, during the governorship of John Tinker. It was built of locally cut limestone and named after the Duke of Montague. A sea battery, northeast of the fort located today on Potter’s Cay, was called Bladen’s Battery for John Bladen, son of Governor John Tinker. The fort and Bladen’s Battery were finished in July 1742 and mounted with 17 cannons. Originally, the fort contained a rainwater cistern, barracks for officers and soldiers, a guardroom and powder magazine.

The Islands of the Bahamas...

The Bahamas are an archipelago of about 700 islands and 2,400 uninhabited islets and cays lying 50 mi off the east coast of Florida. Only about 30 of the islands are inhabited; the most important is New Providence (80 sq mi; 207 sq km), on which the capital, Nassau, is situated. Other islands include Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, Cat Island, and San Salvador (or Watling's Island).

Blessed with the perfect location—less than 100 miles off the coast of Florida; the perfect climate—averaging a little over 75 degrees; and the perfect environment—crystal clear turquoise blue waters and pearly white sandy beaches, the Islands of the Bahamas is the perfect travel destination for your wedding, siesta, party, honeymoon, or family vacation. Enjoy luxurious all-inclusive Bahamian resorts, Bahama fun filled tours and a variety of Bahamas vacation activities in the Caribbean's most popular sub-tropical location.

The Islands of the Bahamas is unique with their individual character and charm--and there is some truth to this.

Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, located on New Providence Island offers a variety of experiences from non-stop excitement to peaceful relaxation. Nassau is the center of industry, commerce and communications and presents a special charm which captures the elegance of the old world while at the same time incorporating up-to-the-minute modern features. Here one will find well-preserved colonial buildings, exciting attractions, duty free shopping, one of the largest straw markets in the Caribbean, thrilling land and sea sports, pristine beaches, delightful cuisine and unique cultural activities.

New Providence is home to Nassau--the nation's capital is the center of industry and commerce in the Bahamas and serves an interesting blend of old world colonial architecture, vast straw markets, and an abundance of people combined with sophisticated new world luxury reminiscent of the 007 movies.

Linked to Nassau by bridge is the famed Paradise Island--home to luxurious beaches, a world class golf course, the most plush hotels in the Caribbean, gigantic casinos and of course world class entertainment.

Approximately 360 financial insti- tutions are licensed to do banking and financial trust representation in The Bahamas. The country is the leading off-shore financial centre in the world.
The Bahamian dollar is the national currency. It is equivalent to, and interchangeable with, the American dollar.