George Town history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of George Town dates back to the late 18th century. The city was founded tentatively in 1793 and was named in honour of the then-reigning British monarch, George III. The main impetus for the settlement's emergence was the mass migration of American Loyalists who left the USA after the War of Independence and sought refuge on British Crown lands.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small settlement into an important centre of the Exuma archipelago was driven by several factors:

• Strategic Geography: The city is located by the famous Elizabeth Harbour. This deep-water natural harbour, protected by Stocking Island, was considered one of the best in the Bahamas and was actively used by both merchant vessels and Royal Navy ships.
• Administrative Significance: Thanks to its convenient port, George Town quickly became the administrative and logistical centre for the surrounding plantations.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period, the region's economy was built on cotton cultivation. The arriving Loyalists established extensive plantations, attempting to replicate the agricultural model of the southern American states. A significant figure of that time was Lord John Rolle, Exuma's largest landowner, whose influence on the island's social structure is felt to this day.

However, the "cotton boom" period proved short-lived due to soil depletion and pests. Soon the economy transformed, and residents refocused on salt mining, fishing, and subsistence farming, which formed the unique, close-knit culture of the local community.

Key Historical Milestones

• 1783 — American Loyalists, fleeing after the US War of Independence, arrive on Great Exuma and begin developing the territory.
• 1793 — Official founding of George Town and its naming in honour of the reigning British monarch, King George III.
• Late 18th — early 19th century — The heyday of cotton plantations and active use of Elizabeth Harbour as a strategic Royal Navy port.
• 1838 — Following the full abolition of slavery, Lord John Rolle deeds his lands to local residents in perpetuity, which defined the region's unique social structure.
• 1942 — The US Navy establishes a seaplane base in George Town for patrolling waters during World War II, boosting infrastructure development.
• 1954 — The National Family Island Regatta is held in Elizabeth Harbour for the first time, becoming the city's hallmark event.
• 1973 — The Bahamas gains independence from the UK, and George Town consolidates its status as the administrative centre of the Exuma district.
• 1987 — Modernisation and expansion of Exuma International Airport open the region to direct flights and mass tourism.
• 2000s — The city definitively takes shape as one of the main centres for yachting and sailing in the Caribbean.

Stages of Development and Their Significance

The evolution of George Town is a journey from a colonial outpost to one of the most popular yachting centres in the Caribbean. Each milestone brought changes to the architectural appearance and the islanders' way of life.

• Plantation Urbanisation (late 18th century)
  The founding of the city by Loyalists laid the foundation for its layout. The construction of administrative buildings and warehouses around Elizabeth Harbour defined George Town's role as the archipelago's main trading hub, connecting scattered cotton plantations with the outside world.
• Lord Rolle's Land Reform (1838)
  The transfer of Lord John Rolle's lands to common use for former slaves created a unique system of "generation property". This prevented the mass purchase of territories by large corporations in the future and preserved the authentic character of the city's development, where businesses often remain in the hands of local families for generations.
• World War II Infrastructure Leap (1940s)
  The deployment of the US Navy base led to the appearance of the first paved roads and utility networks. This event transformed George Town from a quiet fishing village into a strategically important facility, preparing the base for future modernisation.
• Cultural Rebranding through the Regatta (from 1954)
  The establishment of the "National Family Island Regatta" was a turning point for the economy. The city reoriented from resource export to event tourism. Reconstruction of the waterfront and the construction of guest houses began to accommodate the annual influx of visitors.
• Transport Globalisation (1987)
  The opening of the renovated Exuma International Airport (GGT) near the city ensured direct links with the USA and Canada. This event became a catalyst for a construction boom: international-class hotels began to appear in the vicinity, and rental services and travel agencies opened in the city itself.
• Rise of the Yachting Capital (2000s — present)
  George Town secured its status as a winter residence for hundreds of cruising yachtsmen. This led to the development of specific coastal infrastructure: modern marinas, repair docks, and service providers appeared, oriented towards long-term stays of affluent tourists in Elizabeth Harbour.

Architectural Character and Styles

The architecture of George Town is not distinguished by the monumentality of European capitals; it is a typical example of an island settlement where aesthetics are subordinate to climate and history. The city's appearance was formed under the influence of British colonists and specific Caribbean conditions.

• British Colonial Style (late 18th — 19th century):
  The basis of historic development. Characterised by strict symmetry, use of local limestone and plaster. Buildings of this style are usually painted in pastel colours (pink, yellow, white) with contrasting trim. A striking example is the administrative buildings that have preserved the spirit of the Loyalist era.
• Bahamian Vernacular (folk architecture):
  Traditional residential style adapted to the tropics. These are wooden structures with steep gable roofs (to drain rainwater) and mandatory wooden shutters (protection from hurricanes). Houses are often raised above the ground on stilts or stone blocks for air circulation and flood protection.
• Modern Functionalism (late 20th — 21st century):
  Commercial buildings (shops, service centres) built from concrete blocks for maximum resistance to the elements. The architecture is simple, utilitarian, and devoid of excesses.

Urban Planning Structure

The layout of George Town is unique due to its geographical position. The city is essentially sandwiched between two bodies of water: the enclosed saltwater Lake Victoria in the centre and Elizabeth Harbour on the seaward side.

Urban development proceeded on a circular principle around Lake Victoria, which is connected to the sea by a narrow channel under a bridge. Main activity is concentrated along the main road (Queen’s Highway) passing through the city.

Landmark Buildings Shaping the City's Look

• St. Andrew’s Anglican Church:
  The main architectural landmark of George Town. The snow-white building with bright blue doors and shutters, located on a rise (Kitt's Hill), is visible from almost any point in the city and harbour. Its style combines elements of classical colonial church architecture with island simplicity.
• Government Administration Building:
  A characteristic pink building with white columns and an arcade, executed in a neoclassical colonial style. It embodies official authority and the administrative status of the city as the capital of Exuma.
• Historic Hotel Peace and Plenty:
  Although the building has been rebuilt multiple times, it stands on the site of a cotton warehouse and kitchen from Loyalist times. The complex's architecture combines historic stone elements with traditional Caribbean verandas and balconies overlooking the harbour.

Historical Figures and Founders

• King George III
  King of Great Britain (1760–1820)
  The monarch after whom the city received its name. The American Loyalists who founded the settlement in 1793 chose the King's name as a symbol of their loyalty to the British Crown after fleeing the USA.
• Lord John Rolle
  Major landowner and baron
  A key figure in Exuma's social history. Although he was an "absentee" landlord, his decision before death to transfer all his lands to the perpetual use of former slaves defined the unique land ownership structure in the region. Residents of George Town and the surrounding areas still honour his legacy, and the surname Rolle is one of the most common on the island.
• Captain William Kidd
  Famous privateer and pirate of the 17th century
  According to historical chronicles and legends, Kidd often used the deep-water Elizabeth Harbour, on the shores of which George Town stands, as a safe haven for his ships. The harbour was considered an ideal place for anchoring pirate vessels due to its protection.

Personalities Who Shaped the Modern Look and Culture

• Lawrence Lewis
  American businessman, heir to Henry Flagler
  In 1958, he opened the historic Club Peace and Plenty hotel in the centre of George Town. Lewis turned the ancient building, which once housed a slave kitchen and sponge warehouse, into a fashionable resort, which gave a powerful impetus to the development of international tourism in the city.
• Howland Bottomley
  Yachtsman and public figure
  One of the initiators of the National Family Island Regatta. In 1954, he proposed holding a race on traditional Bahamian sloops to preserve the art of their construction. Today, this event gathers thousands of guests in George Town annually.
• Gloria Patience
  Legendary local resident, known as the "Shark Lady"
  A colourful figure of 20th-century George Town. She became famous for catching sharks alone on a handline and making unique jewellery from their teeth and vertebrae. Gloria was the unofficial ambassador of the city, hosting high-ranking guests and celebrities in her home.