Previous
Historical Bennet's Hill
WHAT-TO-DO - NASSAU, CABLE BEACH & PARADISE ISLAND - JULY 2005
Historical Bennet's Hill
Climb the Queen's Staircase to reach it
The highest point in Nassau is steeped in history and easy to get to - if you have a lot of energy. Those willing to climb 65 steps up the Queen's Staircase to Bennet's Hill will find two more landmarks, each a reminder of Nassau's past. The climb itself is a trek through history.
Staircase of stone
Tucked away at the end of a long pathway lined with souvenir vendors and guarded by massive limestone walls is the impressive Queen's Staircase, which not only serves as an access to Fort Fincastle and the adjacent Water Tower, but also as a reminder of New Providence's slave history.
Towards the end of the 18th Century, New Providence was a target for French and Spanish marauders who sought control of the Caribbean islands, including The Bahamas. Fearing an invasion, the British, who had already colonized the country, built fortifications throughout New Providence and Hog Island (now Paradise Island). Three prominent forts remain - Fort Charlotte, Fort Montagu and Fort Fincastle.
Because of Fort Fincastle's strategic position on top of a high hill, a quick access route from the town of Nassau was needed to reach the fort in case of an attack. As a result, an escape route had to be created through solid limestone.
According to historians, the task took a total of 16 years to complete, as approximately 600 slaves used pickaxes to cut through the limestone, creating a tunnel to the fort, and a stairway in the process.
It wasn't until decades later that the stairs were named the Queen's Staircase in honour of Queen Victoria who had signed a declaration to abolish slavery on her ascension to the throne in 1837.
The 102-foot staircase was modified to include 64 steps, each representing a year of Queen Victoria's reign, however, two more steps were added for practical purposes to access the top of the hill. The bottom step of the staircase, though, was buried after the development of a paved pathway which leads to the staircase, leaving a total of 65 steps.
Fort that never fired
At the top of the Queen's Staircase and adjacent to the Water Tower, sits Fort Fincastle.
Smaller than Fort Charlotte, the ship-shaped Fort Fincastle was built from cut limestone in the early 1790s during the 1787-96 governorship of Lord Dunmore, an eccentric fort builder. The fort took its name from Dunmore's second title, Viscount Fincastle.
In a letter to the Secretary of State, dated February 17, 1794, Dunmore described the fort as "a battery upon a hill in this island to the Eastwards of the Government House" which not only covers the Battery in Hog Island but all the Town and Road to the Eastward where the enemy might probably have effected a landing."
The enemy never came to attack the fort which carried two 24-pounder cannons; two 32-pounders, two 12-pounders and a Howitzer.
Because of Fort Fincastle's inactivity and its location on the highest point of Nassau, it later served as a lighthouse and signal station until 1817, when a lighthouse was constructed on Hog Island.
The tallest tower
Also on top of Bennet's Hill, it is not difficult to spot the Water Tower, built in 1928 to maintain water pressure in Nassau. It now serves as a tourist attraction.
Standing 126 feet at approximately 216 feet above sea level, the top of the Water Tower offers a bird's eye view of New Providence, from coast to coast. A spiral staircase provides access to observation deck at the top. Visitors can also ride the elevator to the top of the tower. At press time, the Water Tower was closed for renovations.
CONTACT INFORMATION
E-Mail: Click here
Internet: https://
Disclaimer:
Information in editorial and listings is subject to change at any time.