Hamilton History

Bermuda, an archipelago made up of seven main islands (now connected by bridges) and approximately 170 small islets and rocks, lies about 650 miles (1,050 km) east of North Carolina's Cape Hatteras.

Today, the name Bermuda conjures up visions of pristine beaches, manicured golf courses and cool breezes. However, early in its history, sailors dubbed Bermuda the "Island of Devils," based on the belief that the region's frequent shipwrecks were caused by monsters that had attached themselves to the doomed vessels. In actuality, the islands had been formed by a combination of volcanic eruptions and coral build-up, and the dangerous coral reefs surrounding the islands were truly to blame for the many disasters.

The islands' modern history began in 1505, when the Spanish explorer Juan de Bermudez sighted it from his ship. He didn't stop, but he did take good notes on the islands and named them "Las Bermudas" on his map. Subsequent attempts to land on Bermuda were thwarted by the coral reefs, but one ship managed to anchor off Bermuda in 1525, making the first detailed mappings of the area. In 1538, the first men landed on the islands on a mission from the King of Spain searching for a riches-laden ship that had been lost for two years.

The shipwrecks continued to prevent settlement of the Bermuda until the early seventeenth century, when a shipwreck actually led to the first long-term habitation of the islands. Sir George Somers was leading a group of ships from England to Jamestown, Virginia, when his ship, the Sea Venture, wrecked along the east coast. As the rest of his party headed on to Virginia, he and his crew stayed on for approximately a year to build new ships. The wreck of the Sea Venture, which was widely reported back in England, inspired Shakespeare to write "The Tempest." Somers returned to Bermuda two years later, intending to claim it for the Crown, and died there.

By 1612, 60 English settlers moved permanently to Bermuda, under the charter of the Virginia Company. More settlers, slaves and laborers followed soon after them. Bermuda rapidly became a slave-trading center and remained so until the British abolished slavery in 1834. Rule of Bermuda transferred from the Virginia Company to the Crown in 1684.

During the early years of settlement, three main forts were built on Bermuda. Fort St. Catherine, at the far eastern end of the island near St. George, is the largest. The two other forts, which were built to protect Hamilton Harbour, are Fort Scaur and Fort Hamilton, both dating back to the 1600s.

St. George originally served at Bermuda's capital, but in 1815 the capital was moved to Hamilton. Colonists believed that Hamilton's location on the main island and its protected harbor provided more opportunity for growth.

During the American Civil War, Bermuda's proximity to the mainland US made it an ideal base for Confederate blockade-runners. Later, during US's prohibition, bootleggers and smugglers operated out of Bermuda.

After Prohibition ended, Bermuda developed its two current industries: banking and tourism. Banking was a natural extension of Bermuda's history as a trade center. Tourism was a natural extension of the island's legendary beauty.

Over the course of its history, renowned writers, musicians, and artists have come to Bermuda and found inspiration in its landscape. Some of these luminaries include playwrights Noel Coward and Eugene O'Neill, who owned the same home there at different times; poet John Donne; and writer Mark Twain. Artist Winslow Homer was also a frequent visitor.

The island government handles all of its domestic issues except for security, while the Commonwealth is in charge of defense and foreign affairs. The leader of the government is a Governor, who is appointed by the Queen of England.

The Bermuda Parliament governs local affairs. The parliament consists of a Lower House (or the House of Assembly) and an Upper House (the Senate). A nationally elected Premier handles the day-to-day working of the government and appoints ministers.

Today Bermuda attracts the everyday visitor as well as the rich and the famous, all of whom enjoy its stunning beauty, clean air, and comfortable weather.