FORTS
During British rule at the turn of, and throughout, the 18th century, Spaniards, pirates and others invaded the Bahamas. In order to protect its colony, the British had forts built in order to fend off invasions. The forts were built on the capital of Nassau as this city was the primary threat for invasions. The following is a brief description of the four major forts in Nassau, at that time. There were other forts placed around the island, however, but the four most acknowledged were:
Fort NassauBuilt in 1697. This fort was destroyed in 1703 by a Spanish-French invasion. It was later rebuilt in 1744, but was eventually torn down in 1837. This fort overlooked the harbor of Nassau and was designed to protect it.
Fort Montagu
Completed in 1742. This fort was built to guard the eastern entrance to Nassau's harbor, as it lays on Montagu beach.
Fort Charlotte
Built in 1789. This fort was built to guard the western entrance to Nassau's harbor. It is situated on top Clifford Park.
Completed in 1793. This fort, built on top East St. Hill, overlooks the entire city of Nassau, where it was to guard.