Today in History: March 17

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history, Samuel Nicholas rule as commandant of the Bahama Islands ended in 1776. This as Continental Marines left New Providence after a two week occupation following the Battle of Nassau on March 3-4.

The Bahamas Historical Society notes that John Gambier became acting governor The Bahamas at that time.

On this day in 1926 was the great Bahamian gold heist at the office of the commissioners.

It is known as one of the biggest robberies in the modern history of The Bahamas, as the Historical Society notes the thieves made off with gold and silver.

“Robbery of a Treasury” was the headline in one Australian newspaper, and the story even made front page in the New York Times.

Reports say the thieves broke into the office of the commissioners of currency in downtown, Nassau, blew open the safe and got away with about a ton of gold and silver.

It is said the stolen gold and silver was used to guarantee the value of Bahamian money. In 1926 anyone that was holding Bahamian notes could exchange them on demand for gold and silver.

With the gold and silver missing this left the colony’s money technically worthless.