Nassau Bahamas / Paradise Island
For all its beauty and thriving vacation economy, the history of the Bahamas offers a rather checkered history. Much of the reason for this has to do with Nassau, and more particularly its scenic harbor. Indeed, this attracted the several enterprising British nobles into whose hands the island was placed by the British king, Charles II, in 1670. Their vision of building a powerful commercial center offered a contrast to the farmers who also came here, many from nearby Eleuthera, for the rich soil.
But in fact its appeal for maritime trade not only remained strong but became a kind of curse. Not very long in its history the port town was burned to the ground by the rival Spanish and, in 1695, given its present name. But even then, it grew into a bustling and seedy haven for pirates, inciting the Spanish as well as the French to burn it yet several more times.
By 1718, these violent early years were about to come to an abrupt end. Britain had declared the islands a colony and appointed Woodes Rogers, the man who would found the early House of Assembly for the Bahamas, the first governor. Once himself a privateer, Rogers set about cleaning up the illegal activity on the island.
Yet its proximity to the United States helped continue the islands’ appeal for outlaws and smugglers. It provided a major port for both blockade runners during the Civil War and gin runners in the Prohibition era. Finally, during the last century and up to the present day, Nassau transformed in a premiere beach resort and cruise ship destination, a paradise for aquatic recreation as well as the serious fisherman. In 1960, when A&P grocery heir Huntington Hartford bought the 4-mile long island that sits across Nassau harbor, he renamed it Paradise. The construction frenzy which followed created the most glamorous—and unapologetically modern—part of the islands, an exclusive getaway for the wealthy and home to the famous Atlantis Paradise Island Resort & Casino.
Nassau Bahamas / Paradise Island
If you're interested in information about other bahamas tours and activities visit Best On Bahamas.
SiteMap Link To Us