Some Local Information about Nassau and The Hilton: Nassau has
become the Mecca for resorts. This capital city captures the true
spirit of the Bahamas with images of pink sand beaches, turquoise
water, outdoor straw markets, and numerous historic sights. Nassau,
which blends old world charm with modern sophistication, has also
emerged as a center for business and commerce. But make no mistake;
tourism is the city’s bread and butter. Luxurious resorts, a
thriving nightlife, and a tropical year-round climate attract
countless vacationers each year. Area attractions include the
fourteenth century French stone Cloisters and the award-winning
British Colonial Hilton Hotel of Nassau. Another major site is the
eighteenth century Fort Charlotte , which once guarded Nassau
Harbor . Paradise Island lies across the bridge and boasts grand
resorts, world-class golf, and high-dollar entertainment. Come to
Nassau to enjoy the night-life, restaurants, museums, galleries,
local events, events and Tours and many other leisure
activities.
Some History of the Fort and the area: The Battle of Nassau
(March 2 – March 3, 1776) was a naval action and amphibious assault
by American forces against British-occupied Nassau, Bahamas during
the American Revolutionary War. It is considered the first cruise
and one of the first engagements of the United States Navy, and the
first action of the newly-created Continental Marines, the
progenitor of the United States Marine Corps. It is sometimes known
as the Raid of Nassau. Under the command of Fleet Captain or
Commodore Esek Hopkins of Rhode Island, a task force of four ships,
including Hornet, Alfred, and Wasp, rallied near Great Abaco
Island, north of the Island of New Providence, on March 1, 1776.
The force captured two sloops owned by Loyalists and pressed their
owners to serve as pilots.
On March 2, the force approached Nassau, sending ashore a raiding
party of 230 Continental Marines and 50 sailors under the command
of Captain Samuel Nicholas, the first commissioned officer in the
Continental Marines. The force captured nearby Fort Montague but
were repulsed in their assault on Fort Nassau.
On March 3, a landing was again attempted, and this time the
Marines captured Nassau without a fight, seizing a sizable store of
103 cannon, mortars and munitions. Much of the precious gunpowder
stores that were the target of the raid had been evacuated after
the failed raid on March 2. It marked the first instance in
American military history that forces responded to the equivalent
modern command of "Land the landing force."[1]
On March 17, the fleet sailed for Block Island Channel off Newport,
Rhode Island, with Montfort Browne, Lieutenant Governor of the
Bahamas, as a prisoner. Browne was later exchanged for American
general William Alexander.
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