Harbour Island is one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas located off the north east coast of Eleuthera Island approximately 200 miles from the south Florida coast. The main town, and the first capital of the Bahamas, is Dunmore Town, named after the former Governor of the Bahamas, the Earl of Dunmore (1786-1798), who had a summer residence. It is famous for its pink sand beaches which are found all along the east side of the island and protected by a long stretch of coral reef. The island is accessible by plane through North Eleuthera and Governors Harbour airports, followed by a short water taxi ride. Known as Briland to the locals, it is dotted with colorful New England-style cottages with picket fences and flower lined streets.