Fort Charlotte, Nassau

Fort Charlotte is an impressive British-colonial era fort located on a hill that overlooks the beautiful harbor of Nassau, The Bahamas. It was constructed by the British colonial governor Lord Dunmore in the late 18th century, following the end of the American Revolutionary war. Interestingly, the fort was never used in battle, despite being part of a series of English forts in Nassau that were intended to serve as battle stations to defend against the invading Spaniards.

Fort Charlotte's construction began in 1789, as a replacement for the Old Fort of Nassau which had been largely destroyed by the Spaniards in 1782. It was finished in 1819, and remains one of the most imposing structures in the Bahamas. The fort complex consists of a 100-acre area, which includes two other forts, Stanley and D’Arcy. Visitors can tour these forts and learn about their history while enjoying magnificent views of the western harbor.

Fort Charlotte is surrounded by a dry moat and is a massive stronghold that has never seen any action. Despite its size, the fort was named after Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of King George III of the United Kingdom, and the mother of his 15 children. The fort's cannons have never been used in battle, but they serve as a reminder of the strategic importance of the site.