The Queen's Staircase at Fort Fincastle in Nassau, Bahamas was hand carved using pickaxes and hand tools, from a solid limestone rock from 1793 to 1794 by slaves. The 102 feet tall staircase also called the 66 steps is among Nassau's most popular tourist attractions and was entirely finished after 16 years. Today only 65 steps are visible since the pathway that leads to it was paved and the bottom step got buried by the asphalt.
Historical Significance
Though built by slaves, The Queen's Staircase has historical significance serving as a reminder of Queen Victoria who abolished slavery in all British colonies. After her ascension to the throne in 1837, she signed a declaration to abolish slavery. Her reign ended in death in 1901. As an honor for her ending slavery, the previously unnamed staircase was given her name in the 1800s.
Historical Context
At the end of the 18th century, the Bahamas was getting targeted by European invaders who wanted to use it as a base to control the Caribbean. The British who had already colonized the island feared an invasion mostly from Spanish and French pirates and bandits. So they built Fort Montagu, Fort Charlotte, and Fort Fincastle which still exist today. Of those forts, only Fort Fincastle atop the Bennet's Hill was strategically positioned and elevated.
From it, British soldiers watched out for attacks and were protected. That's why the British colonizers saw the need to build a quick and safer route for soldiers to reach Fort Fincastle from Nassau City when an attack occurred. Building the fort raised the need to also build the staircase. Captain Lord Dunmore built Fort Fincastle in 1793 and had 68 canons mounted that ended up never being fired in battle.
The Queen's Staircase Today
Today the Queen's Staircase provides access to the Straw Market, Gregory Arch tunnel that cuts through a hill, St Andrew's Kirk, the Government House, Prospect Ridge, old Graycliff Hotel, Vendue House, and Christ Church Cathedral.
Ambiance
The Queen's Staircase today is worth exploring. It is nestled within a waterfall, with swaying palms and lush vegetation that make its grotto-like ambiance cool. As one walks up and down the stairs, the vegetation provides much-needed shade from the hot sun. The weather-worn grey, moss-covered walls of both the Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle serve as a reminder of the days when the Bahamas wasn't a haven of tranquility and order it is today.
Visitors walking on the Queen's Staircase are likely to meet street musicians or guides, who position themselves there to make a coin off of them. At night the quiet, cool, and lush ambiance around the staircase spices any romantic walks, lovers may take there. There are bathrooms carved out of the 100 feet limestone wall.
What To Explore Around The Queen's Staircase
Around The Queen's Staircase visitors can also visit some places that give a glimpse of Nassau's past and colorful history. These include:
Great Views
Visitors can walk up the Queen's Staircase up to Fort Fincastle top and enjoy great views of Nassau City, the ships offshore, and the Western Atlantic Ocean's pristine, blue waters and coastline. From that elevated spot where the fort is, visitors can take great photos against a scenic backdrop of the ocean and city. Walks on The Queen's Staircase are free but visits to Fort Fincastle are charged $3 to $4.
Nassau Straw Market
Along Bay Street in downtown Nassau, is the world-famous Nassau Straw Market. At this market, visitors can buy handmade hats, baskets, and bags locally made from straw. Conch shell jewelry, wood carvings, mats, gifts, and souvenirs are also sold in this market as well. The craftsmanship on display at this market was inspired by the subsistence lifestyle Bahamians led since the 1940s.
At that time braiding, plaiting, and weaving skills were useful, and baskets were used as fishing traps and to carry fruits. Nassau Straw Market opens each day of the week from 8 am to 8 pm. Visitors can buy crafts, gifts, and souvenirs at this market with U.S. or Bahamian dollars.
Historical Enactments
On Wednesday and Friday at Fort Charlotte and Fort Fincastle, visitors can watch historical reenactment portraying Nassau's daily life during the 18th century. The ceremony starts at 11:30 am. It features characters dressed in period costumes as they exhibit basket weaving methods utensils used over 250 years ago, and fruits selling at a market. The ceremony culminates with cannon firing at 12 noon. For this experience, visitors pay entrance fees to either of the forts.
Pirates Of Nassau
Pirates of Nassau interactive museum enables visitors to "live" the Golden Age of Piracy of 1690 to 1720. Nassau a tropical paradise, was a piracy hotbed since its waters were shallow, but deep enough, for fast, shallow-draft vessels. The hit-and-run methods pirates used devastated the merchant shipping routes within Bahamas precincts. Pirates of Nassau museum is ideal for visitors especially families with children to visit.
Visitors get to dress and act like pirates and board a pirate ship as part of learning and having fun. They also see artifacts dating back to the Golden Age of Piracy and can buy piracy merchandise at the gift shop. Pirates of Nassau opens Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and on Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm. The admission fee for children aged 4 to 17 years is $6.75 and for adults, it's $13:50.