History of Oswego Island & Surroundings
A Hidden Gem in St. George’s Bermuda
The term "Oswego" originates from the Iroquoian word osh-we-geh, which translates to "pouring-out place". It refers to a river mouth, and reflects the geographical significance of the Oswego River in upstate New York, which flows into Lake Ontario.
Smith’s Island
Oswego Island in Bermuda looks over Smith’s Sound, which is a deep natural anchorage on the south side of Smith’s Island, where some of the first settlers to Bermuda stayed. The name Smith (Smythe) comes from one of the first investors and Treasurer of the Virginia Company, Sir Thomas Smith. In 1615 Bermuda was placed under the Bermuda Company of which Sir Thomas became the Chairman. Some historical facts:
Early European Crops: The first European crops planted in the Americas were grown on Smith's Island, including tobacco, maize, and watermelon.
Quarantine site: During the smallpox pandemic in the 1730s, Smallpox Bay on Smith's Island was used to quarantine ships and passengers.
Preserved by the Bermuda National Trust: The Bermuda National Trust and National Parks have helped preserve Smith's Island from rapid development.
St. George’s
St. George's Harbour's navigation has evolved significantly. The original channel south of Paget Island was replaced by a dredged passage to the north about a century ago, allowing steam ships to access the port.
While St. George's remains the entry point for yachts and handles some cargo, most freight now goes through Hamilton. The narrow channels limit access for modern cruise ships, highlighting the port's adaptation to changing maritime needs. Some historical facts:
Oldest continuously inhabited British settlement in the New World: St. George's is the oldest British settlement in the New World that's still inhabited today.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The town, forts, and historic sites around it are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bermuda's capital until 1815: St. George's was Bermuda's capital until 1815, when it was replaced by Hamilton.
Historic canon, St. Georges harbour.
St. David’s
St David's Island, located at Bermuda's southeastern tip, separates St Georges Harbour and Castle Harbour, the island's only two natural harbors. The St. David's Lighthouse, situated on the island's highest point, offers panoramic views of the reef line and navigable approaches. From this vantage point, one can observe the sites of several notable shipwrecks, including the Sea Venture (1609), the Warwick (1619), The Sea Flower (1624), Cristobal Colon (1936), and HMS Cerberus (1783).
The History of St David’s and its people is portrayed at Carter House Museum, a classic Bermuda farmhouse dating from the 1600s. Many species of native and endemic plants and trees surround Carter House. Carter House is a must and is located on Southside Road near the airport tower on the hill. There you will glimpse the old St David’s as it was. Carter House was named after Christopher Carter, one of the three “Kings” who lived on Smith's Island after the Sea Venture shipwreck in 1609.
Carter House Museum is a must and is located on Southside Road near the airport tower on the hill.
St. David’s Lighthouse is a historic point of interest.
Interesting facts about St. David’s:
Historical Figure: William Strachey, a passenger on the shipwrecked Sea Venture, was a pivotal figure in St. David's early history. After being blown off course by a hurricane in July 1609, he documented the crew's survival in his narrative True Reportary. He maintained a watch point on a high promontory now called Great Head, keeping a bonfire lit for two months to potentially guide Henry Raven and eight other men who had set out in a longboat to seek help from Virginia. Tragically, Raven and his companions were never seen again.
Lighthouse Hill: St. David's Lighthouse is located on Lighthouse Hill, which was once known as Strachey's Watch. The lighthouse was built in the 19th century and offers views of the reef line and shipwrecks, including the Sea Venture, the Warwick, and the HMS Cerberus.
St. David's culinary heritage: St. David's is known for its culinary contributions, which are featured at Cup Match and county games.
Military base: During World War II, the US military leased more than half of St. David's Island to build a base, which was originally called Fort Bell/Kindley Field. The base was renamed Kindley Air Force Base and USNAS Bermuda. The base was closed in 1995 and the area is now mostly residential.