This 18th-century military complex is located on a high ridge running parallel to West Bay Street. Its elevated position offers stunning views of the entrance to Nassau Harbour. The fort is within walking distance from Downtown Nassau and a short 15–20-minute cab drive from most major resorts on the island.
Constructed during the governorship of Lord Dunmore, Fort Charlotte was named in honor of the wife of King George III. The physical structure, composed of cut limestone blocks above ground and carved into the solid rock of the hill below ground, was built over a 32-year period from the start of construction in 1787 to completion in 1819.
The fort is comprised of three distinct forts: Fort Charlotte to the east, Fort Stanley in the center and Fort D’Arcy, to the west.
A dry moat surrounds Fort Charlotte and is spanned by a wooden bridge on the north side. The forts and military installations in New Providence and throughout The Bahamas were significantly upgraded after the American Revolutionary War and before the Napoleonic Wars of the 1790s and as a result these forts never fired a gun in battle.
Today, the complex is outfitted with exhibits depicting the historic past of the fort. Reenactments and historic weapon firing are a part of the ongoing interpretative program at the fort complex.
Local Kids - $1 + VAT / Local Adults - $3 + VAT
Visitor Kids - $2 + VAT/ Visitor Adults - $5 + VAT
Hours: Open Sunday to Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Holidays
Non-residents: Adults $5.50, Children 6-12 $ 2.20, Children 5 and Under Free
Residents: Adults $3.30, Children 6-12 $1.00, Children 5 and under free
Location: On the West Bay Street, a block away from Nassau Street and three blocks from downtown.
Phone: 242-326-4872, 242-326-4861 and 242-325-9186