Postcard from Bahamas: Staircase leads to history

At the entrance was where the digging began, where slaves for 14 years could use only a chisel and hammer to cut into solid rock and create a tunnel in case British-controlled Nassau, Bahamas, was ever invaded by the French.

The tunnel ends with a 66-step staircase for those needing to quickly get to Fort Fincastle, which is close by.

This area once was one of the many shames of slavery, but today it is a mark of freedom. The steps form what now is called the Queen’s Staircase, named after Queen Victoria, who abolished slavery on Aug. 1, 1838, about one year after taking the crown.

She is a revered figure in the Bahamas, where 85 percent of the population is made up of descendents of African slaves freed by Victoria.

Just before walking up the stairs, a sealed underground tunnel is to the right, where many slaves are believed to be buried beyond that wall.

Fort Fincastle remains intact nearby, with its cannons still sitting in case the French ever decide to attack. But there is no one manning them now, and the fears of a foreign invasion have long since evaporated.

Now the only foreign invasion is of those looking to have a good time.