Bermuda's History
[ top ]

Bermuda's discoverer is thought to have anchored off the island as early as 1503. The first settlers, however, were Virginia-bound British colonists who were shipwrecked off St. George's Island in 1609. Some historians credit the event with providing Shakespeare with background for "The Tempest".

Although tourism, banking and international business are today's primary industries, Bermuda relied on shipbuilding as a mainstay of its economy 1684-1775. Vessels constructed of cedar were the basis of the island's flourishing economy until wooden ships were replaced by those made of steel during the late 1800's and tourism began to take on economic importance.

As a British Colony, Bermuda is administered by a governor appointed by the reigning British monarch; a cabinet appointed by the premier; a senate jointly formed by the governor, the premier and the opposition party; and a house of assembly elected by the citizens. The islands hold the distinction of being the oldest self-governing colony in the British Commonwealth. Bermuda's constitution, adopted in June 1968, provides for a large measure of self-government.

[ top ]

Bermuda's Shopping
[ top ]

Browsing for antiques and bric-a-brac is entertaining in itself. Shops in Hamilton have given Bermuda its reputation as the "Showcase of the British Commonwealth". Choice woolens, cashmeres, silver, English china, doeskin gloves and slacks, French perfumes, German cameras, Swiss watches, Swedish crystal and Italian leather can be purchased at great savings. Fine selections of jewelry are displayed at various shops.

[ Top ]

Bermuda's Recreation
[ top ]

Part of Bermuda's appeal is that it has something for everyone. Golf, tennis, horseback riding, fishing, water sports lure the athletically inclined, while shoppers can enjoy Hamilton's exclusive stores and civic activities.

Bermuda ranks among the most sport-conscious countries of the world. More than 30 sporting clubs are found in an area of 22 square miles. The island's diverse activities include bowling, bridge, cricket, cycling, dog and horse shows, fishing, golfing, parasailing, sailing, swimming, scuba diving, tennis, racquetball, squash, table tennis, horseback riding, water skiing, and windsurfing.

[ Top ]

Bermuda's Sights-
What You Will See On Your Bermuda Cruise
[ top ]

Hamilton

Incorporated in 1793, Hamilton succeeded St. George's as the capital in 1815. The city, overlooking Hamilton Harbour, is a latticework of pastel houses surrounded by tropical flowers. Whitewashed roofs, shuttered windows, arched doorways, Old World carriages and clusters of shops all enhance Hamilton's charms.

St. George's

St. George's on St. George's Island, is about 12 miles northeast of Hamilton and is connected with the mainland by causeway. The town was once the seat of Bermuda's government, which was organized in 1612.

It would be difficult to find a more delightful storybook town. The quaintness of St. George's is reflected in the names of its narrow, twisting lanes; Ol Maids Lane, Shinbone Alley, Featherbed Alley, and One Gun Alley.

The Old State House on the town square dates from 1620. In April the governor of Bermuda makes his formal call on the Freemasons to collect the annual rent of one peppercorn for their use of the Old State House.

[ Top ]