Blue Lagoon Island celebrated a century of Bahamian history last week with the rededication of its iconic Watch Tower. The centennial event featured the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and the raising of a 100-year anniversary banner atop the three-story masonry structure.
Built in 1926 by renowned Chicago architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, the Watch Tower recently received interior upgrades, including a new stairway and reinforced flooring, ensuring it remains accessible and safe for the next generation of visitors. Descendants of Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and war correspondent John T. McCutcheon, the tower’s original visionary, joined local dignitaries for the ceremonial blessing.
“The Watch Tower stands as a sentinel of our past and a beacon for our future,” said Robert Meister, Managing Director of Blue Lagoon Island. “We honor the island’s history, from its days as a communication outpost to its role in inspiring Bahamian culture, while ensuring it continues to be a central part of the guest experience for the next hundred years.”
Latia Duncombe, Bahamas Director General of Tourism, highlighted the significance of heritage tourism: “Landmarks like this ground us. They remind us that as we evolve, we must also preserve. The strength of our tourism product lies not just in development, but in identity. The Watch Tower speaks to endurance and relevance, adding a unique, authentic dimension to the Islands of The Bahamas that visitors seek to explore.”
Following the ceremony, guests gathered at the renovated Serenity Cove, the island’s adults-only beach, which showcased Bahamian-owned businesses as part of Blue Lagoon Island’s sustainability efforts. Locally made bush teas, rum cakes, and ice cream were featured, blending cultural preservation with modern hospitality.
“Today we bridge our history at the tower with the bright future of the island at Serenity Cove,” Meister added. “This celebration isn’t just about a building; it’s about sharing Bahamian culture and the authentic spirit of The Bahamas with the world.”
The centennial also underscores the tower’s connection to the folk song Sloop John B. The structure permanently houses two original artifacts from the vessel that inspired the song—a ring-bolt and a “knee of horseflesh”—alongside stones from Fort Charlotte, Fort Montagu, Fort Fincastle, and other historical sites worldwide.
For the McCutcheon family, the Watch Tower is deeply tied to generations of personal history. Shaw McCutcheon, grandson of John T. McCutcheon and architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, recalled childhood days exploring the landmark: “I remember climbing to the top as a kid and spending so much time there. It’s remarkable that it has endured for more than a century, and hopefully it will stand for many more to come.”
Visitors can experience the Watch Tower through guided Eco-Nature Walking Tours, offering breathtaking views from the summit and a glimpse into the island’s rich heritage.
