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Cover | |
Front Matter | |
Preface | |
Table of Contents | |
INDEX | |
List of Illustrations | |
Chapter I - How to Reach Nassa... | |
Chapter II - Discovery of the Bahamas... | |
Chapter III - Aboriginal Inhab... | |
Chapter IV - The Buccaneers | |
Chapter V - Charter and Settlement... | |
Chapter VI - Expulsis Piratis,... | |
Chapter VII - Capture of Nassau... | |
Chapter VIII - Conquest and Settlement... | |
Chapter IX - Nassau During the... | |
Chapter X - Blockade Running | |
Chapter XI - Nassau | |
Chapter XII - Places of Interest... | |
Chapter XIII - The Out Islands | |
Chapter XIV - The Monument Erected... | |
Chapter XV - Description of the... | |
Chapter XVI - The Inhabitants of... | |
Chapter XVII - Negroes and... | |
Chapter XVIII - Government | |
Chapter XIX - Commerce and... | |
Chapter XX - Sponge Fisheries | |
Chapter XXI - Climate - The Bahamas... | |
Chapter XXII - The Geological Formation... | |
Chapter XXIII - Religion and... | |
Back Matter | |
Back Cover |
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Cover
Page 1 Page 2 Front Matter Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Preface Page 9 Page 10 Table of Contents Page 11 INDEX Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 List of Illustrations Page 17 Page 18 Chapter I - How to Reach Nassau Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Chapter II - Discovery of the Bahamas by Columbus Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Chapter III - Aboriginal Inhabitants Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Chapter IV - The Buccaneers Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Chapter V - Charter and Settlement of the Bahamas Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Chapter VI - Expulsis Piratis, Restituta Commercia Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Chapter VII - Capture of Nassau by Commodore Hopkins Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Chapter VIII - Conquest and Settlement of the Bahamas by the Loyalists Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108 Page 109 Page 110 Page 111 Page 112 Page 113 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116 Page 117 Page 118 Chapter IX - Nassau During the Blockade Page 119 Page 120 Page 121 Page 122 Page 123 Page 124 Page 125 Page 126 Page 127 Page 128 Page 129 Chapter X - Blockade Running Page 130 Page 131 Page 132 Page 133 Page 134 Page 135 Page 136 Page 137 Page 138 Chapter XI - Nassau Page 139 Page 140 Page 141 Page 142 Page 143 Page 144 Page 145 Page 146 Page 147 Page 148 Page 149 Page 150 Page 151 Page 152 Page 153 Chapter XII - Places of Interest in the Vicinity of Nassau Page 154 Page 155 Page 156 Page 157 Page 158 Page 159 Page 160 Page 161 Page 162 Page 163 Page 164 Page 165 Page 166 Page 167 Chapter XIII - The Out Islands Page 168 Page 169 Page 170 Page 171 Page 172 Page 173 Page 174 Page 175 Page 176 Page 177 Page 178 Page 179 Page 180 Page 181 Page 182 Page 183 Page 184 Page 185 Page 186 Page 187 Page 188 Page 189 Page 190 Page 191 Page 192 Page 193 Page 194 Page 195 Page 196 Page 197 Page 198 Page 199 Page 200 Page 201 Page 202 Page 203 Page 204 Page 205 Page 206 Chapter XIV - The Monument Erected to Mark the Spot on which Columbus Landed Page 207 Page 208 Page 209 Page 210 Page 211 Page 212 Page 213 Chapter XV - Description of the Bahamas in 1783 Page 214 Page 215 Page 216 Page 217 Page 218 Page 219 Page 220 Page 221 Page 222 Chapter XVI - The Inhabitants of the Bahamas, their Manners and Customs. Page 223 Page 224 Page 225 Page 226 Page 227 Page 228 Page 229 Page 230 Page 231 Page 232 Page 233 Page 234 Chapter XVII - Negroes and Slavery Page 235 Page 236 Page 237 Page 238 Page 239 Page 240 Page 241 Page 242 Page 243 Page 244 Page 245 Page 246 Page 247 Chapter XVIII - Government Page 248 Page 249 Page 250 Page 251 Page 252 Page 253 Page 254 Page 255 Page 256 Page 257 Page 258 Page 259 Page 260 Page 261 Page 262 Page 263 Chapter XIX - Commerce and Agriculture Page 264 Page 265 Page 266 Page 267 Page 268 Page 269 Page 270 Page 271 Page 272 Page 273 Page 274 Page 275 Page 276 Chapter XX - Sponge Fisheries Page 277 Page 278 Page 279 Page 280 Page 281 Page 282 Page 283 Page 284 Page 285 Chapter XXI - Climate - The Bahamas as a Health Resort Page 286 Page 287 Page 288 Page 289 Page 290 Chapter XXII - The Geological Formation of the Bahamas Page 291 Page 292 Page 293 Page 294 Page 295 Page 296 Page 297 Page 298 Page 299 Chapter XXIII - Religion and Education Page 300 Page 301 Page 302 Page 303 Page 304 Page 305 Page 306 Page 307 Page 308 Page 309 Page 310 Back Matter Page 311 Page 312 Page 313 Page 314 Page 315 Page 316 Page 317 Page 318 Page 319 Page 320 Page 321 Page 322 Page 323 Back Cover Page 324 Page 325 |
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The William L. Bryant Foundation West Indies Collection C7__ CITY AND HARBOR OF NASSAU. ~ ~~-~~~IFL STARK'S HISTORY AND GUIDE TO THE BAHAMA ISLANDS, CONTAINING A DESCRIPTION OF EVERYTHING ON OR ABOUT THE BAHAMA ISLANDS OF WHICH THE VISITOR OR RESIDENT MAY DESIRE INFORMATION. INCLUDING THEIR HISTORY, INHABITANTS, CLIMATE, AGRICULTURE, GEOLOGY, GOVERNMENT AND RESOURCES. SfuffE 3ffutrateb WITH MAPS, ENGRAVINGS AND PHOTO-PRINTS. BY JAMES H. STARK. JAMES H. STARK, 31 MILK STREET, BOSTON. COPYRIGHT I 91, BYJ JAMES H. STARK. Plimpton JPreoz H. M. PLIMPTON & CO., PRINTERS & BINDERS, NORWOOD, MASS., U S A. PREFACE. In the following pages it has been the author's intention to produce, as the title indicates, a history and guide to the Bahama Islands. In the perform- ance of this task every available source of informa- tion known to him has been drawn upon, the best authorities have been consulted, such as Bruce's, McKinnen's, Edwards', and Bacot's histories, from which much valuable information have been com- piled, and also from some recent works on the Bahamas, such as Powles, Ives, Drysdale's and the Nassau Almanac. The author is under special obligation to His Excellency, Sir Ambrose Shea, governor of the Bahamas, Hon. G. C. Camplejohn, judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Mr. A. E. Moseley, publisher of the Nassau Guardian and Almanac, Mr. R. W. Parsons of the Ward Line of steamers, and Mr. J. F. Coonley for'the many courtesies and valuable aid extended the author in obtaining mate- rials for his work. PREFACE. The illustrations in this work were obtained from several sources and produced by various methods. The photo-mechanical prints, which are in effect like a photograph,were made from negatives taken by the author. The wood cut illustrations were kindly loaned by Mr. R. W. Parsons of the Ward Steamship Co. The half tone engravings were made direct from photographs furnished by Mr, J. F. Coonley, the Nassau photographer. The ancient copper plate engravings and maps were reproduced from the originals by the Photo Electro- type Co. of Boston. In compiling this work it has been the author's earnest desire to be accurate in every particular, but even the most painstaking assiduity and the best intention are insufficient to ensure perfection in this regard. The reader who detects errors is requested to communicate with the writer, in order that the necessary changes may be made in subse- quent editions. L/ C/^L^-.i /'^n f CHAPTER. PAGE I. THE VOYAGE TO NASSAU, . II. DISCOVERY OF TIE BAHAMAS BY COLUMBUS, II III. ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS, 24 IV. THE BUCCANEERS, 36 V. CHARTER AND SETTLEMENT OF THE BAHAMAS, 51 VI. EXPULSIS PIRATES, RESTITUTA COMMERCIAL, 59 VII. CAPTURE OF NASSAU BY COMMODORE HOPKINS, 71 VIII. CONQUEST AND SETTLEMENT OF THE BAHAMAS BY THE LOYALISTS, 75 IX. NASSAU DURING TIE BLOCKADE, 88 X. BLOCKADE RUNNING, 97 XI. NASSAU, 106 XII. PLACES OF INTEREST IN TIE VICINITY OF NASSAU, 118 XIII. THE OUT ISLANDS, 127 XIV. TIE MONUMENT ERECTED TO MARK TIE SPOT ON WHICH COLUMBUS LANDED, 162 XV. DESCRIPTION OF TIE BAHAMAS IN 1783, 169 XVI. THE INHABITANTS OF THE BAHAMAS, THEIR MANNERS AND CUSTOMS, 176 XVII. NEGROES AND SLAVERY, 186 XVIII. GOVERNMENT, 195 XIX. COMMERCE AND AGRICULTURE, 207 XX. SPONGE FISHERIES, 216 XXI. CLIMATE-THE BAHAMAS AS A HEALTH RESORT, 223 XXII. THE GEOLOGICAL FORMATION OF TIE BAHAMAS. 228 XXIII. RELIGION AND EDUCATION, 237 INDEX. PAGE. Abaco described, .. 145 Aborigines, description of, .24 Andros, Sir Edmund, Governor of Massachusetts, 131 Andros Island described, 131 Bahamas, Location, .. 2 Discovery of, 11 Occupied by Buccaneers, 37 Charter and Settlement, .51 Lord Proprietors of, .52 Conquered by the Loyalists, 75 Out Islands, .. 127 Description of in 1783, 169 Manners and Customs of Inhabitants at present time, 176 Bayleytown described, .151 Bermuda formerly possessed Turks Island, 160 Climate compared with the Bahamas, 2 Berry Island described.. 135 Biminis Islands described, 148 Blake, Governor, account of, 181 Blennerhasset, Harman, resided in the Bahamas, 183 Blockade of Southern States described. 88 Running the, 97 Blue Hills described, 119 Brown, Thomas, of Georgia Loyalist, 83 Boston, Refugees from Eleuthera arrive there, 55 Buccaneers, description of, 36 their exploits, 42 Caicos Islands described, .161 INDEX. Cat Island described,. . not San Salvador, . Caves, description of Carolinas, Bahamas granted to proprietors of, Cayos occupied by pirates,. . Charter granted to the Lord Proprietors, Cherokee Sound described, . Chicago Herald Monument on Watling's Island, Churches in Nassau and vicinity, Claraco, Spanish Governor of the Bahamas, Clifton, an old estate near Nassau, described Climate of the Bahamas, . Cockburntown described, . PAGE. S 22 S 149 * 236 S 52 S 38 S 52 1 '47 162 237 S 77 S 125 S 223 S 152 Columbus, description of, .. I1 discovered the Bahamas, 15 Commerce and Agriculture-fruit, sponge and fibre industry, 211 Confederacy, Southern, and Great Britain, .88 Coral Reefs, formation of, .. 229 Crooked Island Group described, .. 155 Current Island, description of 139 Curry House described, o Davis, Jefferson, complains of Great Britain, 92 Davis, John, buccaneer, captures Granada, .42 Deveaux, Andrew, of South Carolina, loyalist, .76 Dunmoretown described, 136 Education in the Bahamas, 237 Eleuthera described, .. 136 Town, ... 138 Petition of refugees, 143 Esquemeling, John, buccaneer and historian, 38 Exuma, Great and Little, described, 153 Florida climate compared with the Bahamas, Fort Nassau built, 56 Geological formation of the Bahamas, 228 Glass window described, 137 Government of the Bahamas, described, 195 Meeting of Parliament, 198 Compared with the United States, 204 Grand Bahama Island described, 147 Grantstown described, . 122 viii INDEX. PAGE. Graves, Admiral, claims the Bahamas, 53 Green Turtle Cay described, 146 Gregorytown described, 140 Guanhani, first land discovered by Columbus, 18 Gulf Stream described,. 2 I arbor Island described, .. 136 Health resort, Bahamas recommended, 223 Ilog Island described, 7 lopetown described, 46 Slopkins, Commodore captured Nassau, 71 Engagement with Frigate Glasgow, 73 Censured and dismissed by Congress, 74 House of Assembly-Governor Maxwell's address, 174 Reply to same, .. 175 Blennethasset, speeches of, 185 Hotels-Royal Victoria, 8 Curry House, 10 Inagua Island described, 58 Indians, Aborigines of the Bahamas, 24 Modern treatment of, .33 Inhabitants in the Bahamas in 1782, 170 I.as Casas, historian of Columbus' voyage, 15 Long Island, description of, 154 Lord Proprietors of the Bahamas, 52 Loyalists, American, capture Nassau,. 75 an account of, .80 Lucayos, Indian name of the Bahamas, 24 Natives of the Bahamas, 27 Extermination of,. 30 Marsh Harbor described, 147 Mayaguana Island described, ..159 Mermaid's Pool, account of, .120 Methodists in the Bahamas, 1o Morgan, chief of the Buccaneers, 43 Captures Puerto del Principi, 44 Captures Porto Bello, .44 Captures Maracaibo and Gibraltar, 46 Destroys the Spanish fleet, 48 Plunders Panama, 49 Nassau, voyage to, 2 INDEX. PAGE. Nassau Pihates expelled, 59 Captured by Commodore Hopkins, 7. Captured by the loyalists, 75 Captured by the Spaniards, 7 During the Southern blockade, 8 Present appearance of, 106 Vicinity of, .. 118 Negroes, their manners and customs, .. 186 Slave sale, 19 Slavery, .. 192 Emancipation, 193 New Plymouth described, .. 146 New Providence named, 52 Out Islands, general description of, 127 Panama destroyed by Buccaneers, 49 Pirates occupy the Bahamas, 58 Surrender, 59 Their exploits,. 63 Execution of, 69 Pope Alexander grants the new world to Spain, .27 Porte Bello plundered by Morgan, 44 Puerto del Principi captured by Buccaneers, 43 Ragged Island described, 55 Religion in the Bahamas, 237 Rock Sound described, 142 Rogers, Woodes, commissioned Governor, .58 Expels the pirates, .. ..59 Royal Victoria lotel described, .. 8 built, 96 Rum Cay described, .. 152 San Salvador discovered by Columbus, 22 description of, 151 Savannah Sound described, .141 Say le, Captain, names New Providence, 51 first describes the Bahamas, 52 Scott, Lewis, buccaneer, captures St. Francis, 42 Shea, Sir Ambrose, introduces the cultivation of sisal fibre, 211 Shirley, William, Governor of the Bahamas, 133 Sioux Indians, Massacre of by United States troops, .34 South Carolina, silver mace of, 79 x INDEX PAGE, Spaniards, Buccaneers attack them, 36 Captured Nassau, 75 Expelled the English, 5' Are driven out by the Loyalists, 75 Spanish Wells, settlement at, 138 Sponge Fisheries, account of, 216 Tarpum Bay, settlement at, 142 Teach, pirate captain, .. .63 Turks Island, description of, 160 Voyage to Nassau described, Ward Line of Steamers, 4 Watling's Island, the land-fall of Columbus, 23 Waterloo Lake described, .124 Wemys's Bight, settlement at 142 Wilson, Lieutenant, Report on the Bahamas in 1783, 169 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. City and Harbor of Nassau from Victoria Hotel, Frontispiece. PAGE. Map showing location of the Bahamas, 3 Nassau Mail Steamer, 5 West View of Royal Victoria Hotel, 7 Bay Street, Nassau, 9 Coast Chart of the Bahama Islands, . Columbus and his Sons, 13 Landing of Columbus, 17 Royal Palm, Cumberland Street, 27 Natives of the West Indies, 29 The Banyan Tree, *., 4' Sacking of Puerto del Principe 44 Destruction of. the Admiral's Flagship, 47 View from Fort Charlotte, 55 Visitors on the Road to Fort Montague, 73 Queen Street and Entrance to Harbor, 81 A View at the Eastward, .91 George Street, Harbor and Hog Island, .07 Fort Fincastle, 108 The Queen's Staircase, III George Street and Government House, 113 The Vendue House, "15 Map of Nassau, I17 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE. Road to the Blue Hills, 119 The Beach at Fort Montague. 121 Basket Making in a Grantstown Cabin, 123 Waterloo Lake, 125 Map of the Bahama Islands, 127 Map of the Bahama Islands made in 1799, 129 The Glass Window, Eleuthera, 137 A Scene at Grantstown, .. 153 A Ceiba or Silk Cotton Tree, 73 American Consul's Residence, 179 Street Scene in Nassau, 187 A Native African IIut, 189 A Festival in Slavery Days, 191 Nassau Police Force, 193 The Public Buildings, 197 Government House, 201 A Pineapple Field, 209 Sponge Trimmers, 211 A Sisal Plantation, 213 Sponge Fleet, 219 The Sea Gardens, 231 Early Morning in Nassau Market, 235 St. Agnes Church, Grantstown, 239 Nassau Library, 241 Seal of the Bahamas, 243 STARK'S HISTORY AND GUIDE TO THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. CHAPTER I. HOW TO REACH NASSAU. The Bahama Islands are the nearest tropical country to New York. For those flying from the rigors of a northern winter we can imagine no climate offer- ing greater attractions. There the trees are ever green, flowers ever bloom, all kinds of tropical fruit are in abundance, and frost is unknown. The lan- guage used is English, and life and property are as safe there as in any part of the world. Nassau, the principal town and capital of the Bahama Islands, is a city of twelve thousand inhab- itants. It is situated on the island of New Providence, which is about fourteen miles long and five miles wide. Nassau lies as far south as the lowest part of the Florida coast, between which and it flows the Gulf Stream, which makes the climate so much more equable than that of Florida. It is distant from New York nine hundred and sixty miles. There are two ways to reach Nassau. You can go direct from New York by a Ward Line steamer from 2 STARK'S HISTORY AND GUIDE. the foot of Wall street, next to the Fulton Ferry, or by the steamship Antilia," belonging to the Bahama Steamship Company; but to persons that do not like a sea voyage, the twelve hours' sail from Miami, Florida, may prove preferable to the longer trip from New York. The Ward Line steamers, under the present mail contract with the Bahama Government, sail from New York every alternate Thursday, saloon fare one way $40.00, round trip $70.00. The "Antilia" leaves New York every four weeks for Nassau. Single fare $30.00, both ways $50.00. A winter voyage to the Bahamas from New York is indeed a wonderful change from the icy and snow- bound North to the land of perpetual verdure and everlasting summer. After leaving Sandy Hook the course of the steamer is a little west of south, giving the passengers a good view of the Highlands, Long Branch, and Cape May. The next land sighted is in the Bahamas. The steamer leaves Hatteras fifty miles to the west- ward, and there is not an island or dangerous obstruc- tion in the whole distance, and usually the voyage is smooth and pleasant. The Ward Line steamers are first-class in every respect, and can be classed as being among the finest vessels afloat. Besides the comfort now found in all the best passenger steamers, good fare, electric bells, bath, piano, and luxurious furnishings of the saloon, - there is that which makes these vessels doubly com- fortable the politeness and attentiveness of the officers and men; passengers can depend on receiving from them the very best of attention. The trip from New York by way of Florida is of course much more expensive, yet it gives the tourist MAP SHOWING LOCATION OF THE BAHAMAS. 4 S.ARK'S HI'SIORY AND GUIDE. an opportunity of seeing Washington, Richmond, Charleston, and Savannah while on the way to Florida. Reaching Jacksonville, the route is over the East Coast Railway, a distance of three hundred and sixty-six miles, to Miami. This railroad, together with the East Coast Hotel System and steamship line from Miami to Nassau and Key West, owes its origin and existence to Henry M. Fiagler, who operates and owns the same. The hotels are the finest to be found at any winter or summer resort in the world, and are the principal attraction to be seen on the Florida route to Nassau. Every tourist should spend at least one day at each of these hotels while en route to Miami. It breaks the journey and gives the traveller an opportunity of see- ing the most interesting places on the east coast of Florida. The first place of interest after leaving Jacksonville is St. Augustine, the most ancient city in the United States. It was discovered in 1512 by Juan Ponce de Leon, and permanently settled in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles. The most interesting attrac- tions are the old Spanish fort, begun in 1565 by the first negro slaves brought to America, and finished as Fort San Marco in 1756; the City Gates; and the Plaza, containing the old market building, Confederate monument, and the monument commemorating the New Spanish Constitution; and the Post-office build- ing, formerly the residence of the Spanish Governor. There is also St. Francis Barracks, formerly a mon- astery, now occupied by United States troops, and the narrow streets and overhanging balconies, which make the old city both curious and interesting. Of the modern attractions, the crowning glory of the ancient city are the Spanish-Moresque Hotel Palaces, the Ponce de Leon, Alcazar, and Cordova. They NASSAU MAIL STEAMER. -----~~ - ~--~-~ -: 6 STARK'S HISTORY AND GUIDE. consist of palaces, with towers, courts, fountains, loggias, and cool retreats set amid surroundings designed to embody the beauties of Spanish architect- ure, with decorations suggestive of the history of Florida and St. Augustine, with every detail of con- struction, adornment, and appointment befitting their position here in a city whose patent came down three centuries ago from the sovereign of the proudest dominion on the globe. Of these hotel palaces the grandest and most magnificent is the Ponce de Leon, said to have cost two million dollars, and not equalled by any building of its kind in the world. From St. Augustine the railroad extends in a south- westerly direction through the pine lands, while here and there are seen the bright green of the sugar-cane, and at East Palatka the first and only glimpse of the St. John's River is obtained. From here the line ex- tends in a southerly direction to Ormond, where the Hotel Ormond is located. This place is noted for its wheeling and driving, coupled with a hard beach where a spin on the bicycle or behind a pair of good horses is most enjoyable. The drive to Daytona, a distance of six miles over a beautiful road, and a trip on the Tomoka River, are well worth taking. From Ormond to Palm Beach, a distance of two hundred miles, the railroad for the greater part of the distance skirts the Indian River, and constantly crosses creeks and rivers. On approaching Lake Worth hundreds of acres of pineapples are passed. Here the train passes over the Lake Worth bridge to the noted Hotel Royal Poinciana and Palm Beach Inn. These hotels rank next to the St. Augustine hotels of the East Coast Hotel System. The Poinciana is on Lake Worth, and the Inn on the ocean beach. They are connected by a magnificent avenue of palms. Along the shore of the lake and through the many II III WET V OF ROYAL VICTORIA HOTEL WEST VIEW OF ROYAL VICTORIA HOTIL. STARK'S HISTORY AND GUIDE. cocoanut-shaded avenues are numerous beautiful cottages, the winter residences of wealthy northern people. Some of the attractions at Palm Beach are the surf bathing and large swimming-pool; the original Indian trails, now bicycle paths; the Ocean Pier, from which can be caught a great variety of fish; and sail- ing on Lake Worth and the ocean. From Lake Worth to Miami the distance is about seventy miles. The train crosses numerous streams, which are outlets of the Everglades. Large acreages of muck land have been reclaimed, on which are raised tomatoes, beans, celery, and other vegetables. Miami, the future metropolis, of South Florida, although but three years old at the time of writing, has paved streets, sewers, and all the conveniences ofan old settled community. It is situated on the site of old Fort Dallas, where the Miami River enters Biscayne Bay, a large body of clear salt water, protected from the ocean by the picturesque Florida Keys. The Hotel Royal Palm has accommodations for six hun- dred guests. It is a part of the East Coast Hotel System, and is very fine in all its appointments. The grounds are beautifully laid out with beds of tropical plants and long avenues of cocoanut and palm trees. The steamship "Miami makes tri-weekly trips between Miami and Nassau during the winter season. This vessel was built especially for the service at the shipyard of the Cramps in Philadelphia. She has accommodations for one hundred and twenty-five passengers, and is furnished with a luxury and ele- gance unequalled by any vessel on the coast. Therefore it is an easy journey to Nassau. The voyage is usually made in the night, it taking about twelve hours' time on a sea that is smooth and land- locked nearly the entire distance. 8 STARK'S HISTORY AND GUIDE. The fare from New York to Jacksonville via Miami is, one way, $50.00, round trip $90.00. The fare one way from Jacksonville to Nassau is $35.15, round trip $41oo.0 On a recent trip to Nassau the writer left Miami at four in the afternoon. After a smooth run during the night we approached, in the early dawn, a long, low line of green cays, and soon we saw the graceful groves of cocoanut and the spires of Nassau in the gleaming sun now rising in a cloudless sky. The steamer passed in around Hog Island, a beautiful coral islet three miles long, which forms a natural break- water and enables Nassau to claim the best port in the Bahamas. The steamer then approaches the landing built of coral limestone next to the custom house wharf. On landing we found ourselves in the park, beyond which, close to the summit of the hill, is the Royal Victoria. To reach it we walked a short distance through the park, crossing Bay Street, the principal business street in the city, then followed Parliament Street up the hill to the hotel, passing the Houses of Parliament, Police Station, and Public Library. The street is lined with almond trees, is white, broad, and smooth, being cut out of the coral rock of which the island is formed. In our walk to the hotel we found the air sweet with the perfume of all the wild flowers of summer, and the temperature about seventy-seven degrees. It was a charming transition from the glare of the street to the cool, spacious verandas of the hotel, which occupies an elevated position commanding a superb prospect over the city, the harbor, and the ocean beyond. The Royal Victoria Hotel is the finest building on the island. It was built by the Government in i860, to k~ -~~-- - ~cLiJ BAY STREET, NASSAU. -il - i4, o'-, ^Ii ,, r Y" ~1 10 STARK'S HISTORY AND GUIDE. meet demands that had grown to be great and press- ing. Neither pains nor expense were spared in mak- ing it conform to every requirement conducive to health and comfort. It was run very successfully for a number of years by a brother of ex-President Cleveland, who perished in the steamer that was de- stroyed by fire off Abaco. It is now a part of the Florida East Coast Hotel System, and everything connected with the hotel has recently been renovated, refurnished, and refitted throughout. It is built principally of coral limestone, is four stories high, and has three piazzas ten feetwide sur- rounding it. As its site at the head of Parliament Street is ninety feet above tide water, the views from these piazzas like the air that fans them are ex- ceptionally fine. Here, for the benefit of those in- valids who cannot journey about, is a promenade of one thousand feet. -- II1 U It 3 'I A P's 1471 B. S 5.76 6.' 28%.C 1613 , 13 CoSSh fa 12 /, S-- Crsu r (; *r" 2 4. '"~r a Damchuood Bsah l *" '-^ g l St ( :It . S. *1i ; -. -s *-,vi __. . ( .'* -",' ___ .*"*- IBi a - 'Fi~:' ~ ` c-Il-C. . P5 a A. 3. 1* 4 '.. , -.-; f. ...'T -.1'.-,,... ,' oi,,, j: l iM *ll . .. I Yl;.- l ,.-l l .... ...- .. ij'^-^ P7 I- S x .B .. 13" t ,4 i. B e r r y.2 '." s! #urmd bor- . Sd* at low .a-tr 1 &LIle Harbor" Cy s 1 ands- s % ' I 6 1I 13 JB 7] Cay .'1' Thompo.s ..'1 1 .' ..i Cay'. !-Ca 1 4-... .'- ' fl' Cq. Morgan aBlrr U119 Sjddi eback Cay "". ' 1079 195. 4l 1617 14(16 aC'S- -- 791. -.- O ld r :-1I .3' 'a' Cbftoa &JWI t%'.fha3S r.~i .- 2 3 1. * . l, 1t 3 S HigD~h CV, 6C-7 jv nto an" EmI, I" ~'A am B52 'Ab". ., . 2.=awa as 1,n n Pa 3 ,r as an q I1 "at "127 BSB f II p 190. Oree CYI *I t A i 1h 'rn... &sgIc~ V. A 0, 9' 3 .569 *4p .. 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