The City of Hamilton today marked 200 years as Bermuda’s capital with a ceremony at City Hall.

Hamilton, which was first incorporated in 1793, took over from St George’s as the capital on January 16, 1815.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Graeme Outerbridge said that in the past 200 years, the city has continued to grow and thrive. “Hamilton has become the heart and soul of Bermuda and its people,” he said.

Governor George Fergusson noted that Hamilton became the capital in the same year as the Battle of Waterloo, at a time when the United States were composed of only 18. He said that, while the city has become an international economic hub, it has managed to maintain its unique Bermudian character.

Premier Michael Dunkley and Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy also celebrated the city’s anniversary, saying that they look forward to seeing the city continue to develop over the coming years, while St George’s Mayor Garth Rothwell congratulated the “200-year-old upstart” on its successes.