The capital, largest city, and commercial centre of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Nassau is located on the island of New Providence, and was formerly known as Charles Town. Burned by the Spanish in 1684, was rebuilt and renamed Nassau in 1695 in honour of the Dutch Stadtholder. By 1713, it had become a haven for pirates, who proclaimed Nassau a pirate republic, which survived only 5 years. During the 19th century, Nassau became urbanized, attracting rural residents. Most whites 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.
Read more »