Dunmore Town Bahamas, the only town in Harbour Island

One of the oldest settlements in The Bahamas, Dunmore Town Bahamas dates back to the 18th century and is the only town in Harbour Island. It was formerly the capital of The Bahamas and second only to Nassau in importance.

The town got its name from the former Governor of Virginia, the Earl of Dunmore. When the Revolutionary War broke out, Dunmore escaped to The Bahamas and was eventually granted the title of Lord Dunmore, Governor of the Bahamas. It was during his time as governor that the town’s boundaries were established in the heart of Harbour Island, shaping it into what it is today.

The residents of Dunmore Town in the Bahamas have a distinct way of speaking. Their local language is similar to Cockney, as they switch the pronunciation of ‘V’ and ‘W’. Additionally, they have a habit of adding an ‘H’ to words that start with a vowel, while dropping the letter ‘H’ in words that begin with it. This is why the locals, called ‘Brilanders’, affectionately call Harbour Island Bahamas ‘Briland’. It’s their quick way of saying Harbour Island…..’arbour H’Island’.