Fort James, Antigua and Barbuda

Fort James
St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda
View of Fort James from the ocean
Coordinates 17°07′48.8″N 61°51′49.1″W / 17.130222°N 61.863639°W / 17.130222; -61.863639
Type Fort
Site history
Built 1706–1739
Built by British Empire

Fort James is a fort at the entrance to the harbour of St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda. The fort was built to guard St. John's harbour and is one of the many forts built by the British in the 18th century. Fear of a French invasion prompted the construction. It is located on a headland overlooking the town northwesterly. A powder magazine, several cannons and the foundation of the fort's wall remain. The main attraction today is the excellent view of the surrounding harbor.

The fort is named after King James II of England. Work on the fort started in 1706, and most of the buildings were built in 1739. In 1773, the fort was armed with 36 guns, and had a barracks which accommodated 75 men. In the 19th century, a gun fired salutes at visiting warships, as well as signals at sunrise and sunset.[1]

A 1942 stamp of Antigua showing Fort James.

References

  1. ↑ "Fort James". visitantiguabarbuda.com. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
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