Many travelers under-estimate Nassau; it's more than just a "pretty face." True, Nassau is known for its fine, sugar-sand beaches, its variety of colorful tropical vegetation, and its premiere resort, Paradise Island. As beautiful as it is, Nassau has one of the most interesting histories among the island destinations. Visitors will want to explore this, the capital city of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, to learn the details of the fascinating social evolution of Nassau through the centuries.

Nassau is located on the northeastern coast of New Providence Island, about 500 miles off the coast of Palm Beach, Florida. New Providence is one of the 700 islands of the Bahamian archipelago; only 30 of the islands are inhabited. The original site of the city was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 after he made his first landing in the New World on the island he named San Salvador. At the time, New Providence was inhabited by the native Arawak people. New Providence, including the future site of Nassau, wasn't settled until 1647 by the British. Nassau was first named Charles Towne, after King Charles II. The island was repeatedly attacked by Spanish maritime troops. Thus, the British built several defensive ports near Nassau in the 18th century, the most prominent of which is Fort Fincastle. The fort has been carefully restored and maintained; visitors are drawn to the site by its water tower and lighthouse that display breathtaking views of Nassau Harbor's clear blue water and colorful coral reefs. Fort Fincastle has been outfitted with authentic displays of armament, including huge mounted cannons that played an essential part in the British colonists' defense against Spanish attacks. The British re-named the city Nassau for the family name of William III of England.

Because of its myriad of islands, islets and nearly 2,400 cays (pronounced "keys), the Bahamas, including New Providence and Nassau, were hide-outs for many of the buccaneers of legend such as the infamous Blackbeard. Treasure hunters still come to Nassau in search of buried loot left behind by the pirates. "X marks the spot" isn't just a quaint saying to these hunters; information about treasure troves is taken quite seriously, and some significant "finds" have been made near the Nassau area. The British colonists had to contend with both the pirates, who all but dominated the islands, and the Spanish who sought to win possession of them and to stop the marauding pirates.

In 1776, during the American Revolution, Nassau was occupied by American naval forces because its location was essential in spotting approaching British ships and turning them back. Technically, Nassau was still a British colony that had been confiscated by the American rebels. After the war, Nassau was held by Spain in 1782-1783. The Bahamian islands again became a British colony in 1787. The site's bewildering ownership became again complicated during the American Civil War, when it became a port for Confederate blockade-runners. Years later, during Prohibition, the rum-runners found Nassau to be a convenient base for smuggling European liquor into the United States. In 1964, Britain granted internal autonomy to the Bahamas, and Nassau was further developed as a world-class port and harbor.

The result of Nassau's frequent change of inhabitants is a rich culture of different architectural styles, ranging from Arawak excavation sites to British mansions to modern banks, office buildings and resorts. To learn more about Nassau's diverse history, travelers visit the official residence of the governor-general, Christ Church Cathedral, Fort Charlotte, the beautiful Ardastra Gardens, the marine gardens, and Jumbey Village, a faithful reproduction of an 18th century settlement.

Come to Nassau to bask in its warm sunshine, walk the gorgeous beaches, dive among the coral reefs and relish the epicurean delights of its native Grouper fish. Stay, though, long enough to tour the original historical sites, examine the colorful architecture, and learn the history of this island city that's a feast for the mind, the eye, and the imagination!