Today In History: January 7

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1924: Grand Opening of the New Colonial Hotel

On this day in 1924, the grand opening of the seven-story New Colonial Hotel took place in Nassau, built by Munson Line on the site of the original Colonial Hotel, which had been destroyed by fire in 1922. The site was also home to Fort Nassau, New Providence’s first fort.

1959: Meyer Lansky Fled to The Bahamas

In 1959, as Fidel Castro’s rise to leadership in Cuba became imminent, American mobster Meyer Lansky fled to The Bahamas. Lansky, who had ties to Cuba’s casino industry under the Batista government, later sought opportunities in the Bahamian hotel and casino sector.

1964: The Bahamas Receives Its First Written Constitution

On this day in 1964, The Bahamas received its first written constitution, marking the beginning of internal self-government. Significant changes included the introduction of a Cabinet system, the reduction of the Governor’s powers, and the appointment of Roland Symonette as the country’s first Premier. Robert Stapledon was Governor at the time. Stapledon Gardens subdivision and Stapledon School on New Providence are named in his honor.

1972: Howard Hughes Hosts Press Conference from Grand Britannia Hotel

In 1972, billionaire Howard Hughes hosted a telephone press conference from the Grand Britannia Hotel on Paradise Island. Hughes, who spoke with seven reporters in Los Angeles, denounced Clifford Irving’s fraudulent autobiography. The hoax was later exposed on January 28th of that year.