Hamilton is the capital of Bermuda and was named after Sir Henry Hamilton, who served as the territory’s governor. The city is Bermuda’s political and commercial center, even though its permanent population is small.
The settlement began taking shape in 1790, when Bermuda’s government reserved land for a new administrative center. It was formally incorporated in 1793 and named for Hamilton, who governed Bermuda from 1785 to 1794. Bermuda’s capital moved from St. George’s to Hamilton in 1815, shifting the center of government toward the island’s main harbor and business district.
Hamilton is often confused with Hamilton Parish, but they are separate places. The city itself is located in Pembroke Parish, while Hamilton Parish lies elsewhere on Bermuda. St. George’s, meanwhile, is the older historic town and Bermuda’s former capital.
Despite covering only a small area, Hamilton remains Bermuda’s main port, financial hub, and administrative headquarters. It was officially granted city status in 1897, and its streets contain government buildings, churches, offices, shops, and historic waterfront landmarks.