Trinidad and Tobago’s Enchanting Forts

By Jossane Kerrice Felix Photographs Courtesy Of L. Roscoe Dames II

Majestic with a hint of allure, Trinidad and Tobago’s forts are steeped in rich history, which goes as far back as colonial days. The beauty of these sites intended to protect during war against other nations, remains with us as tourist attractions which draw thousands of people to explore not only the mystery surrounding their existence, but also their captivating, scenic views.

Fort George

Formerly called La Vigie, this fort is strategically located in St. James, 330m (1,082 feet) above Port of Spain, Trinidad. This “virgin fort” never saw military action. Built in 1804, under the supervision of the then-British Governor, Brigadier-General Sir Thomas Hislop, Fort George offers panoramic views of Port of Spain and, on a clear day, you can see the southern peninsula of the island, even as far as the hills of Venezuela. The site features forts, batteries and cannons.

Comprising an entire complex of fortifications, on upper and lower slopes, such as sea defences and a series of supportive batteries: York, Princess Charlotte, Abercromby and Cambridge on the lower slopes, and Cumberland on the upper slopes, above the fort, this captivating fort on Trinidad’s north-western peninsula is a must-see for visitors. Well-fortified to defend the nation, the fort was considered the most well positioned to execute an excellent defensive strategy.

Amidst rumours of war, merchants of Port of Spain stored their records and valuables at the fort. However, in 1846, the fort ceased to be a military establishment, and a signal station, designed by Prince Kofi Nti, son of King Kofi Calcali of Ashantee, West Africa, was established in 1883. After becoming a ward of the British government after a war against the Ashantees in 1872, he arrived in Trinidad on 1 July 1881. The building ran its operations as a signal station until November 1964. In 1965, there were major restoration works on the building, a mere three years after Trinidad and Tobago gained independence.

Wrapped up in endless history, this fort, which is a must-see for all who visit Tobago, is located about 130m (426 ft.) above Scarborough, Tobago on “Scarborough Hill”. This fort, which is in the undulating hills of the capital of Tobago, showcases breath-taking views of Tobago’s city centre as well as, on a clear day, the north-eastern peninsula of Trinidad. Authorized for erection in October 1777 by British Governor of Grenada and Tobago, Lord George Macartney, the fort initially comprised two barracks and double kitchen to house two companies of soldiers and a parade ground. In the year 1779, the construction was near completion.

The French then captured the island in June 1781; however, by 1784, General Blanchelande had the French begin construction of a fort on the hill. Works were halted in 1785 and resumed in 1786 under the administration of Count Dillon. At that time, the fort was named “Fort Castries”; however, in 1789, it was renamed “Fort Republique”, and “Fort Liberte” in 1790, when the garrison revolted. In 1793, the British recaptured the fort.

Throughout it all, the island changed hands a few times by various conquerors. In 1801, Tobago was returned to France but, by 1803, it once again belonged to the British. In 1804, the fort was then referred to as “Fort King George” after King George III. As nature would have it, on 11 October 1847, strong winds from a hurricane blew off the roofs of its buildings, doing major damage to the fort, leaving it in ruins. A garrison remained until 1854.

Fort King George Bell Tank, Tobago

Fort King George

Fort King George View, Tobago

The fort has been meticulously beautified and well maintained with wonderful landscaping for locals and tourists alike to capture lovely photos by the cannons, the scenic views and the various artifacts located at the fort. At the Tobago Museum, which is located at the fort’s old barracks, you can see ruins of the military hospital and artifacts on display.

Fort Milford, Tobago

Fort Milford

Perfectly nestled along the coast of Store Bay Local Road in Tobago, a stone’s throw away from Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson International Airport, this fort was built in 1777 by the British. The fort offers captivating views of the coastline and breath-taking sunsets. Fort Milford is so strategically positioned that it is as if it is hiding in plain sight. Quite a few persons have admitted to never noticing its existence, which is so close to everything else in its vicinity that they would usually visit, such as the beaches, never having realized that the fort is standing right there in proximity to hotels and shops. Many photographers have captured this view against the backdrop of the iconic jetty and thatched hut landmark at the nearby Sandy Point Hotel. There are only a few cannons and walls remaining; however, it is a fort worth visiting. Fort James, Tobago

Fort James

Take a drive up to the north-western side of the island of Tobago, in one of the oldest towns called Plymouth. There, you will discover Fort James which overlooks Great Courland Bay. The fort was built by the British around 1811 and comprised areas for storage of eighteen-pounder guns, a magazine, and an oven for heating shot. The fort was named after James Duke of Courland whose settlers were in Tobago around 1650. Steeped in a long history, from the period of 1762 to 1770, two companies of the 4th and later the 62nd and 70th Regiments were quartered at the thatched huts near to the fort. Thereafter, the British manned only a picket post at the location which was attacked in November 1770 by rebellious slaves. In 1777, a four-gun battery of three eighteen-pounders and one six-pounder were positioned on site. The militia and trusted slaves staffed the site for the protection of shipping in the bay. However, they saw action against the French in 1781. Permanent barracks were eventually constructed nearby. Though now in ruins, cannons can still be seen at Fort James.

Fort Bennet Canon, Tobago

Fort Bennett Signage, Tobago

Fort Bennet

Overlooking Stonehaven Bay, Fort Bennett was named after Lieutenant Robert Bennet who was an English Mercenary who commanded a small party of settlers which left the Duchy of Courland aboard “Der Schwann” in July 1680. The settlers built a small fort nearby but, in less than a year, they left for Barbados after being driven out by Native Indians.

The fort consisted of a battery of two eighteen-pounders manned by the island’s militia. The British established this fort in 1778 to defend the Bay against American privateers as sugar was loaded at that location. The French invaded the island in 1781 and the battery was in full action against them. An oven for heating shot can still be seen, upon your arrival to this fort. UA