Fort Fincastle (The Bahamas)
Post revolutionary era fort in the Bahamas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fort Fincastle is a fort located in the city of Nassau on the island of New Providence in The Bahamas. It was built to provide protection to Nassau.[1]
| Fort Fincastle | |
|---|---|
| Nassau, The Bahamas | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Defensive fortification / lighthouse |
Open to the public | yes |
| Condition | historic site |
| Location | |
| Fort Fincastle | |
 Fort Fincastle Location within Bahamas  Fort Fincastle Location within North America | |
| Coordinates | 25°4′25″N 77°20′19″W |
| Site history | |
| Built | ~1793 |
| In use | 1793-1817? |
The fort, which is shaped like a paddle steamer, was built in 1793 by Lord Dunmore to protect Nassau from pirates. He named it Fort Fincastle, after his second title, Viscount Fincastle.[2]
Built on Society and Bennet's Hills, the fort overlooks the city of Nassau, Paradise Island, and the eastern approaches to New Providence. It is often accessed via the Queen’s Staircase by visitors on foot.
It mounted two 24-pounders, two 32-pounders, two 12-pounder cannons and one howitzer and served as a lighthouse until September 1817 when it was replaced by the lighthouse on Paradise Island (and was subsequently used as a signal station).[3]
