English, Bermudan religious refugees established first European settlement in Bahamas
The Company of Eleutheran Adventurers, founds the first republic in the New World, in order to colonize the Bahama Islands and claim them for Great Britain..
English Puritans known as “Eleutheran Adventurers” arrived here also in 1649 in search of religious freedom.
Colonization of New Providence Island began
Six Lord Proprietors of South Carolina were granted the Bahama Islands by King Charles II of England
The Lord Proprietors authorized construction of a fort/ city on the island of New Providence. The city, called Charles Town in honor of King Charles II, was renamed Nassau in honor of King William III
Captain Woods Rogers was named first Royal Governor of the Bahama Islands and restored order by ending the rule of pirates.
Construction of Fort Montagu begins at the eastern entrance to Nassau Harbor. Completed in 1742, it stands today as a tourist site
During the American War for Independence from Great Britain, eight colonial warships captured Fort Montague and Fort Nassau
Spaniards takeover the Bahamas, disgusted by pirate raids on their ships
In Treaty of Paris, Spain ceded Bahamas to Britain
In Treaty of Paris, Spain ceded Bahamas to Britain
The immigration of American Loyalists begins as they bring slaves to set up a plantation economy.
Slaves emancipated
The first telegraph underwater cable is laid from Florida to Nassau.
The Hotel and Steam Ship Service Act of 1898 provided the government support needed for the construction of hotels and subsidized steamship service.
Chalk’s Ocean Airways was founded to fly tourists and fisherman from Florida to the Bahamas.
The American prohibition of liquor brings an economic boom to the Bahamian economy, where liquor was legal and plentiful.
The Bahamian government transferred designation of Columbus’ landfall to Watling Island.
Aug 18, The Duke of Windsor (1894-1972), was installed as Governor of the Bahamas. He had served as Britain’s King Edward VIII in 1936. Edward continued as governor of the Bahamas to 1945.
Nassau becomes a hot spot for the jet-set rich and famous
US granted military test range, tracking station for guided missiles in Bahamas by Britain
Freeport established as free trade area, stimulated tourism, attracted offshore banking
Internal autonomy granted to Bahamas
Britain began negotiations for Bahamas independence
Bahamas became independent
At the Olympics held in Sydney, The Bahamas women’s track and field team wins the gold medal in the women’s 4×100 meter relay!
Sir Lynden Pindling, former prime minister, died; known as "Father of Independence"