It is named for Edward Nicolls, an Anglo-Irish military leader in the Caribbean in the early 19th century.

He was an active abolitionist and because of him many former Afro American slaves were able to escape from the U.S.

The founders of Nicholls Town were ex-slave refugees from the United States.

[1]: 129 The Andros Island Beach Resort is located in Nicolls Town.

The town is the centre for diving and snorkelling in North Andros.