Did you know that before Harbour Island became the unofficial Crown Jewel of the Caribbean it was actually the capital of the Bahamas? Known as “Briland'' by its inhabitants, our narrow three and a half mile long and one and half mile wide island is one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas and was once the second largest city only after Nassau.
We’ve organized a brief history of Harbour Island for you. If you’re a true history buff, we recommended you look into booking a private golf cart tour from one of our local guides. These knowledgeable guides can show you hidden historical gems, from graveyards that tell tales of pirates and privateers to the centuries-old churches that still ring their bells on Sundays. It goes without saying that nothing can replace the sincere warmth and welcoming spirit of a Briland local.
Originally, Harbour Island and Eleuthera were home to the Lucayan and Arawak People. Christopher Colombus famously discovered the Bahamas in 1492 and wiped out the local indigenous populations by the middle of the 16th century. The island would remain uninhabited for the next 100 years until some ministers fleeing religious persecution from England settled the island in 1650. The early settlers were English Puritans, known as the Eleutheran Adventurers, who arrived on the island seeking religious freedom. The actual name "Eleuthera" comes from the Greek word "eleutheros," which means "free," reflecting the settlers' quest for religious freedom. At first these settlers faced numerous hardships including food shortages and harsh living conditions, however they persevered and overcame these hardships and were able to establish successful farming communities. They were able to grow crops such as pineapples, which would later become a significant export for the island. The island would also become one of the most important maritime communities in the region as the island's natural harbor, protected by a barrier reef, made it an ideal location for shipbuilding and trading; industries that would help shape its destiny for centuries to come.As the settlement grew, so did its economy. Prosperous years were on the horizon.
That all changed in 1717 when the settlement surrendered to the British Crown, officially making Eleuthera and Harbour Island a part of the colony of the Bahamas. Harbour Island, better known affectionately as "Briland" by locals, developed its own distinct culture and economy. While smaller than Eleuthera, it became an important maritime hub due to its protected harbor and strategic location. The island's natural harbor could accommodate large vessels, making it an ideal port for trading ships and a crucial stop along the Caribbean trading routes.
The complex coral systems around Briland also made it notorious for shipwrecks. Naturally, wrecking became an important source of income for the island’s inhabitants. In the 18th century, residents of Harbour Island carried special licenses to help assist wrecked ships in return for a third of the recovered loot. Ship building and sugar refinementalsobecame a driving force in the local economy in the late 1800s.
During the American Revolution, many British Loyalists fled the colonies to the Bahamas, including Harbour Island and Eleuthera, bringing with them significant change that would alter the social fabric of the island. Their arrival during the during this time introduced new agricultural techniques and slave labor, fundamentally changing the island’s composition. This influx of settlers led to the establishment of new plantations and the development of a cotton industry. However, the cotton industry boom did not last long due to soil exhaustion and pest problems. Despite these challenges, the island's maritime economy continued to thrive through the 19th century, with many residents becoming skilled boat builders, fishermen, and merchants. The arrival of the Loyalists also saw the island integrate colonial architecture in many of the buildings and homes. The architecture from this period, characterized by colorful clapboard houses and English-inspired gardens, still remains a distinctive feature of the island's landscape today.
The islands played a significant role during the American Civil War as a key transfer point for Confederate blockade runners. The strategic location and experienced maritime community made it an ideal location for ships attempting to evade Union naval blockades. This period brought considerable wealth to some residents who provided supplies and services to these vessels.
By the late 19th century, both Eluthera and Harbour Island had transformed from their agricultural and maritime roots. The introduction of steamships reduced shipwrecks, forcing the community to adapt. Tourism began to emerge as an important industry during this time, with visitors drawn to the islands' pristine beaches, particularly Harbour Island'sfamous pink sand beach.
World War I proved to be a major turning point for the island making the true transformation from maritime hub to tourism paradise. As the global depression affected the island’s economy it’s idyllic pink sand beaches and tropical environment had no choice but to step into the spotlight once again. The island started becoming a tourism destination once more in the 1920’s, and exponentially grew when Bahamas Airways began flying to the island in 1941. Since then, tourism has been the island’s main industry. Another fact about the island is that during the 1920’s, the prohibition era, rum making also became a popular source of incomethat stimulated the local economy.
In 1973, the colony claimed its independence and became a member of the British Commonwealth with its own parliament, flag, and national anthem.
You may be wondering how Dunmore Town, Harbour Island’s only town, got its name. It turns out that the governor of Virginia fled to the Bahamas during the American Revolutionary war. He was awarded the title of Lord Dunmore, Governor of the Bahamas and settled in a Victorian cottage on Bay Street. He was responsible for the urban planning,most importantly his methodical approach to the grid system of streets, which was unusual for Caribbean settlements during this time. Another historical feature of Dunmore Town is the “Hill Steps.” These steps are stone staircases that were cut out by the early inhabitants of the island, and are a popular attraction for those who explore Dunmore Town.
Lord Dunmore's influence on the island went far beyond just urban planning. During his tenure as governor from 1787 to 1796, he implemented several significant changes that shaped the character of Harbour Island. He encouraged Loyalist settlers to make their home there, bringing with them wealth, colonial architectural expertise, and cultural influences that would define the island's unique character. Many of these historic homes still stand today with their pastel colors and classic Caribbean double-hung sash windows, wraparound verandas, and steep pitched roofs demonstrating the practical considerations of island living; all the while still projecting decorative gingerbread trim and traditional Bahamian shutters adding distinctive characteristics to these historic structures.
The architectural heritage of Dunmore Town represents one of the finest collections of colonial-era buildings in the Bahamas. The distinctive pastel-colored homes, with their white picket fences and blooming bougainvillea, create a picturesque streetscape that has earned the town recognition as one of the Caribbean's most charming settlements. Many of these historic buildings have been carefully preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's prosperous past. The town's architectural significance extends beyond mere aesthetics, featuring unique design elements that reflect both British colonial influence and local adaptation to the tropical climate.
Beyond the Hill Steps, Dunmore Town has many other notable landmarks. For example, the lone police station, housed in a pink colonial building, has become an unexpected photo opportunity for visitors. St. John's Anglican Church, established in 1768, stands as one of the oldest churches in the Bahamas and features beautiful stained glass windows and traditional English architectural elements.
The town's waterfront remains a hub of activity, just like it was in Lord Dunmore's time. Historic wooden docks extend into the harbor, where fishing boats and luxury yachts now coexist and share the same waters. The original seawall, which was constructed during the colonial period to protect the settlement from storms and high tides, still stands as a testament to the engineering capabilities of early settlers. The descendants of original settlers still live here, maintaining traditions that have been passed down through generations.
In recent years, Dunmore Town has evolved into a sophisticated destination while maintaining its historical charm. Local ordinances protect the architectural integrity of the historic district, ensuring that new development complements rather than overshadows the colonial character of the town. Boutique hotels occupy restored heritage buildings, and restaurants serving fresh local seafood operate from centuries-old structures, creating a seamless blend of past and present that continues to captivate visitors from around the world. Fishing continues to thrive and remains an important part of daily life, and you'll often see local fishermen bringing in their daily catch of fresh snapper, grouper, and lobster to supply the island's renowned restaurants.
Interested in learning more about the history of Harbour Island? Ask our concierge team about our private guided tours that will take you on a memorable journey through the jewel in the Bahamas known as Harbour Island. Experience the island’s treasures like the stunning famous Pink Sand beaches and rich colonial architecture that dates back to the 18th century.
Our private guided tours offer an intimate glimpse into both Harbour Island and neighboring Eleuthera, revealing hidden historical gems and local secrets that most visitors never discover. You'll see and experience centuries-old churches, learn about the island's fascinating maritime history, and understand how this tiny three and half mile long island earned its nickname "Briland" from locals.
Let our knowledgeable concierge team arrange a personalized journey through time. Whether you're interested in colonial architecture, traditional boat building, local folklore, or the island's evolution from a shipbuilding center to a discrete luxury destination, we know that you truly enjoy this memorable experience.
Contact us today and let our concierge team plan your historical adventure and uncover the captivating heritage of the jewel in the Bahamas known as Harbour Island. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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