Nassau Eastern District

While feeble attempts to defend the eastern end of Nassau harbor started as early as 1728, it was the threat of a Spanish raid that started serious construction in 1741 under the command of Peter Henry Bruce. The fort was named after the Duke of Montagu. Unlike the larger Fort Charlotte, Fort Montagu actually saw action and was captured by the Americans (1776), the Spanish (1782) and American Loyalists (1783).

Today this very small fort with its four cannon stands open to tourists in a small park where the beach curves south from the harbor channel.

The Retreat Gardens, run by the Bahamas National Trust covering 11ac/4.4 ha, is one of the largest private palm tree collections in the world. The 1860s house on the property serves as the National Trust headquarters. A self-guided walking tour leaflet is available. The grounds are often used for local weddings.