Hamilton is the capital of Bermuda. Although there is a parish of the same name, the city of Hamilton is in the parish of Pembroke. The City is named after Sir Henry Hamilton, governor from 1778 to 1794. The parish of Hamilton predates it.
In spite of being the administrative capital of Bermuda, Hamilton only has a permanent population of approximately 969, although some estimates have it as high as 1,500. Hamilton is the only incorporated city in Bermuda, but actually is smaller than the historic town of St. George's. A more representative measure of Bermuda population tends to be by parish.
The city is the headquarters of Accenture (NYSE: ACN) (formerly Andersen Consulting) - the global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. It is also the headquarters of Bacardi, a major international spirits company. Tyco International and Foster Wheeler Inc also maintains nominal headquarters office there.
Hamilton history began in 1790 when the Bermuda Government set aside 145 acres (58.7 ha) for its future seat, and was officially incorporated in 1793 by an Act of Parliament. The Colony's capital relocated to Hamilton from St. George's in 1815. The Town of Hamilton became a City with the erection of the Hamilton Cathedral (Church Of England) in 1897. A Catholic cathedral was later constructed. Today, the city overlooking Hamilton Harbour is primarily a business district, with few structures other than office buildings and shops. The city of Hamilton had a building limit of no more of 6 storeys, but in recent months buildings have been planned and areas have started construction on buildings as high as 10 storeys in the city. The islands local newspaper The Royal Gazette reports "If you dont recognise the city, after more then 15 years away, we don't blame you as it has changed so much".
