Today in History: March 29

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history, Charles Vane, the notorious pirate who used Nassau as a base to raid ships sailing in and around the Bahama Islands was hanged in Port Royal, Jamaica in 1721.

The Bahamas Historical Society notes when King George I Of England issued the Act of Grace in 1717, to all pirates, Vane rejected it and continued to live outside the law.

He was nearly captured by Governor Woodes Rogers in July 1718, but escaped. A year later he was shipwrecked in a storm on an uninhabited island. And a few months after that he tried to board an English vessel and was recognized by one of the crew.

He was then taken to Jamaica where he was put on trial, found guilty and was hanged at Gallows Point.

In 1910, the infamous Alfred Marigny was born in Mauritius. Marigny is known in Bahamian and world history as the only person ever charged with the high profile murder of Harry Oakes on July 7, 1943.

The same year Marigny was put on trial and found not guilty. At the time of the murder, he was married to Oakes’ daughter, Nancy.

In 1973, multi-medal winner Troy McIntosh was born.

The retired track and field athlete specialized in the 400 meters and the 4×4 meter relay.

He represented The Bahamas in the 2000 summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia in the 4×4 meter relay and won a bronze medal.

He also won a gold medal at the world championships in Canada in 2001 in the same event.

Then in 2010, a tornado touched down in Freeport, Grand Bahama, causing the tragic death of three people and injuring four others, when a crane was overturned by the heavy winds.

Damage was also reported at other properties in the surrounding area.

In 2022, the Shell Saxon Superstars named Sir Franklyn Wilson an honorary member as part of a surprise 75th birthday celebration. Sir Franklyn, at the time, called it an honor.