Fort Fincastle, Nassau (must see)

Fort Fincastle was constructed in 1793 using cut limestone and occupies the summit of Bennet’s Hill, a position selected for its clear command over Nassau and the harbor. The fort was commissioned by John Murray, then Governor of The Bahamas. Most visitors arrive on foot via the historic Queen’s Staircase, which emerges at the base of the fort and leads directly into the outer grounds.

Viewed from above, the fort’s circular form is often said to resemble a paddle-wheel steamer. The structure was designed to mount approximately a dozen cannons, though there is no record of the fort ever firing its guns in combat. For a short period in the early 19th century, the fort also served as a lighthouse, before navigational duties were transferred to later harbor lights.

Once inside the fort grounds, the main viewing area is reached by walking along the outer parapet, where the low stone walls open outward toward the city and sea. Looking west, you can see the dense layout of historic downtown Nassau, with its low-rise buildings and street grid spreading outward from the harbor. Turning south, the view opens toward Nassau Harbor itself, where cruise ships and smaller vessels trace the same maritime routes once monitored by the fort’s garrison. To the east, Paradise Island comes into view across the water, its shoreline and bridges clearly visible from this elevated position.

Interpretive information panels are positioned along the inner walls and near the cannon mounts. These panels explain the fort’s construction, its relationship to other defensive sites such as Fort Charlotte and Fort Montagu, and the strategic importance of Bennet’s Hill. Together, the viewpoints and signage help visitors understand how Fort Fincastle functioned within Nassau’s wider system of coastal defenses while offering one of the clearest panoramic perspectives in the city.