Dunmore Town Harbour Island dates back to the 18th century and is the only town on the island. It was formerly the capital of The Bahamas and second only to Nassau in importance. Dunmore Town got its name from the former Governor of Virginia, the Earl of Dunmore. When the Revolutionary War broke out, Dunmore escaped to The Bahamas and was eventually granted the title of Lord Dunmore, Governor of the Bahamas. It was during his time as governor that the town’s boundaries were established in the heart of Harbour Island, shaping it into what it is today.

The residents of Dunmore Town have a distinct way of speaking. Their local language is similar to Cockney, as they switch the pronunciation of ‘V’ and ‘W’. Additionally, they have a habit of adding an ‘H’ to words that start with a vowel, while dropping the letter ‘H’ in words that begin with it. This is why the locals, called ‘Brilanders’, affectionately call Harbour Island Bahamas ‘Briland’. It’s their quick way of saying Harbour Island…..’arbour H’Island’..

Dunmore town it is made up of different sections:

• The historic part next to Bay Street
• “Downtown” (steps from Bay street), where locals and visitors mingle, there are plenty of small shacks and restaurants, and small gift stores.
• Northern part of Bay Street, visitors will discover where locals live and also where they will find small grocery stores such as Piggly Wiggly.
• North end of the island they will find the Narrows, known also as the Millionaire Row.