EDITOR’S NOTE: My thanks to Monte A. Pratt, who consistently demonstrates on Facebook that he is one of The Bahamas’ preeminent historians, for this classic “Olde Towne Nassau” gem.
[Olde Towne Nassau] – Circa 1800’s ~The Royal Victoria Hotel ~ A Winter Resort.
THE ROYAL VICTORIA HOTEL ONCE THE “GRAND DAMME” OF THE BAHAMAS WAS BUILT DURING THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
During the Civil War in The United States between the North and the South, Nassau experienced a boost to the tourism industry due to the blockade runners and affluent southerners who wished to exchange goods. This boost to Tourism caused a need for hotel accommodation.
In 1861 in a high-quality hotel located in Nassau (which became the famous Royal Victoria Hotel) was opened after its construction had been financed by the Government at a cost of 25 thousand pounds.
Hence, in 1861, The Royal Victoria Hotel was opened. British Army Surgeon, Major Bacot, writing in 1869 pointed out that the climate and the healthiness of the Islands made them ideal for tourists.
The Bahamas received 500 tourists a year. With the increase in hotel inventory, there was now a great need to attract tourists to fill the rooms. Little happened after the end of the US civil war and it wasn’t until 1873
The third (sketched) picture is Nassau, 1878, shows Vendors selling curios to cruise passengers in the portico of the Royal Victoria Hotel, Nassau, 1878, the site of the first luxury hotel in the Bahamas.
The hotel finally closed in 1971. Shortly after, the proud old hulk of the building was consumed by fire. After the fire, all that was left behind were its gardens and a sprawling, empty shell of pillars and stone.
The Royal Victoria garden resulting landscape is a stunning cross between a botanical garden and something like a Roman ruin. The hotel property is located between Shirley Street and East Hill Street, and between East and Parliament Streets, currently partially serves as a parking lot. (Click on pictures to enlarge)
