Why Was Nassau, Bahamas, strategic During the American Revolutionary War?

The American Revolutionary War of 1775-1783 was a defining historical moment, as the 13 American Colonies fought for their independence from Great Britain. The conflict saw the rise of influential figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin and the introduction of new tactics and strategies. In this struggle for liberty, the strategic importance of Nassau Bahamas was essential, as the island played a vital role in the eventual victory of the American colonies. Located on the trade routes and close to the colonies, Nassau Bahamas provided a haven for pirates, allowed access to supplies, and served as a base for the colonial troops.

As such, the island was critical in turning the tide of the war and ultimately leading to the independence of the United States.

Historical Context of Nassau, Bahamas 

Nassau, the capital city of The Bahamas, is located on New Providence Island in the Caribbean Sea. The city was initially settled in the late 1600s by British colonists who named it Charles Town. Later, it was renamed Nassau after William III of England’s title, Prince of Orange-Nassau. During the American Revolutionary War, Nassau was an essential location due to its proximity to the American colonies and the Caribbean.

Nassau was a relatively small and underdeveloped town at the time, with a population of around 1,000 inhabitants. However, the town’s economy relied heavily on the transatlantic slave trade, which British merchants controlled. Many of the enslaved Africans who were brought to The Bahamas were sold in Nassau. The town’s main exports were salt, sponges, and hardwoods.

Strategic Importance of Nassau 

Despite its small size and underdeveloped economy, Nassau was strategically important during the American Revolutionary War.

Strategic Location of Nassau 

Nassau’s location in the Caribbean made it vital for controlling trade routes and launching military operations. The island was close to Florida, a British colony, and then the American colonies. The British navy attacked American ships and settlements in the Caribbean from Nassau. The island is also located near the Bahamas channel, a major shipping lane that connected the Atlantic and the Caribbean.

British military outposts & Fortifications 

The British military outpost and fortifications in Nassau played a crucial role in defense of the Bahamas and in British efforts to maintain control over the Caribbean. One example of British fortifications in Nassau during the American Revolutionary War was Fort Montagu, built-in 1741 to protect the harbor from attack. During the war, the fort was reinforced and served as a key defense against American naval attacks.

Fort Charlotte, another important fortification, was built in 1789 and named after the wife of King George III. It was strategically located on a hill overlooking the harbor and symbolized British power and authority in the Bahamas. In addition to these fortifications, the British maintained a robust military presence in Nassau, with regular troops stationed there to defend the city and its strategic assets.

British Naval Base and Supply Depot 

Nassau also served as a British naval base and supply depot during the American Revolutionary War. The British recognized the importance of Nassau and established it as a naval base. From Nassau, the British navy controlled the surrounding waters and quickly launched attacks on American ships and colonies in the Caribbean. The island was also a supply depot for the British army and navy. The British used Nassau to stockpile supplies and ammunition, which were distributed to other Caribbean locations.

Loyalist Refuge and Recruitment Center

The Bahamas became a haven for loyalists, also known as Tories. They faced persecution and ostracism in the colonies, and many fled to the Bahamas for safety. The reputation of the Bahamas as a haven for loyalists was largely due to the governor of the Bahamas at the time, John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore. He had earlier served as the governor of Virginia, where he was known for his harsh treatment of rebels. In the Bahamas, he welcomed loyalists and offered them protection, land grants, and other incentives to settle there. This policy helped to increase the number of loyalists who came to the Bahamas during the war. Nassau served as a refuge and recruitment center for Loyalists. The Loyalists were important to the British war effort, and Nassau provided a haven to regroup and plan their next moves. The British also used Nassau as a location to recruit Loyalists to join the British army and navy. The Loyalists were valuable soldiers and sailors, and Nassau provided a place to be quickly recruited and trained.

Privateering Hub

Nassau was a popular location for pirates to obtain supplies and ammunition and sell their loot. Privateers attacked American ships and colonies, disrupting trade and damaging the American economy. Nassau was an ideal location for privateering activities due to its small size and relative isolation. The town’s port was also easily accessible to pirates, who could quickly load and unload supplies and ammunition.

Hub of Slave Trade 

Another important aspect of Nassau’s strategic importance was its role as a hub of the British slave trade. The Bahamas were a key center for the transatlantic slave trade, and Nassau played a critical role in this trade. British slave traders used Nassau as a base of operations, and the city was home to many slave markets and auction houses. The trade of enslaved people was a key source of wealth for the British, and the presence of this trade in Nassau made it an important part of the British Empire’s economic interests in the region.

Battle of Nassau

Due to its strategic importance, the Americans recognized the value of capturing Nassau and attempted to do so during the Revolutionary War.

As the American Revolution got underway in April 1775, Virginia’s governor, Lord Dunmore, ordered that the colony’s stock of weapons and gunpowder be transported to Nassau, Bahamas, to avoid being taken by colonial forces. These weapons, sent to Governor Montfort Browne, were kept at Nassau under the protection of the forts that guard the harbor, Forts Montagu and Nassau. Despite these defenses, General Thomas Gage, in charge of the British soldiers in Boston, warned Browne of the possibility of an American invasion.

The lack of gunpowder by the rebel army in 1776 threatened to stop the growing American independence movement before it had even begun.

When George Washington took command of the Continental Army in 1775, he ordered that Congress provide him with no less than 400 barrels of gunpowder. He only got less than 40, or around 20 bullets, for each soldier. The rebels urgently required additional powder. Resolving this pressing shortage paved the way for American history’s first-ever offshore military operation.

Hopkins was given orders by the Marine Committee of Congress, instructing him to remove British naval forces off the coasts of North Carolina and the Chesapeake Bay. On January 4, 1776, Alfred, Nicholas, and the rest of the squadron boarded Hopkins’ flagship and started sailing down the Delaware River.

The American ships battled thick ice for six weeks before arriving at Cape Henlopen on February 14 after being near Reedy Island. Hopkins was joined by Baltimore-bound Wasp (14) and Hornet (10) as they arrived at the location. Before setting sail, Hopkins decided to take advantage of the flexible nature of his orders and started preparing for an attack on Nassau. He was aware that there was a sizable stockpile of weapons on the island and that the army of General George Washington, which was besieging Boston, desperately required these supplies.

On March 1, 1776, Hopkins and his squadron reached Hole-In-The-Wall, Great Abaco Island, where they quickly captured two small British sloops. They planned to use these vessels along with Providence to attack Nassau the following day and entered the port at dawn on March 3. However, the defenders spotted the three vessels in the morning light and opened fire, causing them to abort the attack and regroup at nearby Hanover Sound.

Meanwhile, Browne, the governor of Nassau, made plans to remove much of the island’s gunpowder and reinforce Fort Montagu. Hopkins and Nicholas then came up with a new plan to land on the island’s eastern side, covered by Wasp. Around noon, Nicholas and his men came ashore near Fort Montagu, where a British lieutenant approached them under a flag of truce. Nicholas stated that they were seeking to capture the island’s munitions, and this information was conveyed to Browne. Realizing he was outnumbered, the governor withdrew most of the fort’s garrison back to Nassau. Nicholas later captured the fort but chose not to pursue the town.

Hopkins proclaimed to the island’s residents that he had landed an armed army to seize the powder and warlike supplies that belonged to the Crown, but Nicholas remained in place at Fort Montagu. He assured them that their lives and possessions would be in safe hands if they did not resist. The inability to take the town on March 3 allowed Browne to load most of the island’s gunpowder onto two ships, which sailed without incident for St. Augustine. However, this edict forbade civilian interference with Hopkins’ actions.

The next day, as Nicholas approached Nassau, the town’s authorities offered him the keys to the city. Without a struggle, the Americans took control of Fort Nassau and overran Browne, seizing 88 cannons, 15 mortars, and other supplies. The Americans set sail with their loot and headed towards Newport, Rhode Island, after two weeks. The squadron captured the brig Bolton and the schooner Hawk as they approached Block Island. Hopkins learned about a sizable British force operating off Newport from the prisoners, so he set sail towards New London, Connecticut.

The aftermath of the war 

In the combat on April 6, Americans suffered 10 fatalities and 13 injuries compared to Glasgow’s 1 fatality and 3 injuries. Hopkins and his troops were first praised and applauded for their efforts. This was short-lived due to mounting dissatisfaction about the squadron’s captains’ actions and the failure to apprehend Glasgow. Hopkins was also criticized for failing to carry out orders to scour the beaches of Virginia and North Carolina, as well as for how he distributed the loot from the expedition.

Hopkins lost his command in the early months of 1778 as a result of several political maneuvers. Despite the consequences, the attack gave the Continental Army desperately needed resources and gave inexperienced officers like John Paul Jones experience. Later, Browne was swapped for Brigadier General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, who had been taken prisoner by the British at the Battle of Long Island while Browne was still a prisoner. Despite criticism for how he handled the Nassau attack, Browne went on to organize the Loyalist Prince of Wales’ American Regiment and participated in the Battle of Rhode Island.

The Bottom Line

Nassau, Bahamas, played a critical role in the American Revolutionary War. And the Battle of Nassau was a significant victory for the American forces, as it provided much-needed military supplies and weapons for the Continental Army. The supplies obtained from Nassau helped to equip the American forces and enabled them to continue their fight for independence. The capture of Nassau also demonstrated that the Americans could take the fight to the British in their backyard, which was a significant psychological victory for the American forces.