Fort George, Port of Spain

Fort George, located in Port of Spain, is a historical landmark and former British military fort that now serves as a museum. Established in 1805 under the direction of Governor Sir Thomas Hislop, it was originally built to fortify the island's defenses against potential sea attacks during a period of British colonial rule. Despite its strategic positioning and robust design, the fort’s cannons were never fired in combat.

Fort George was built under Governor Hislop’s initiative to relocate Trinidad’s defenses from Chaguaramas to its current site, originally called La Vigie by French settlers. Constructed by African slaves led by Mandinka leader Jonas Mohammed Bath, the fort, positioned on high ground overlooking the Gulf of Paria, was initially named Fort Vigie before being renamed in honor of King George III.

The fort was part of a broader network of defensive installations, including five auxiliary gun groups: York, Princess Charlotte, Abercromby, Cambridge, and Cumberland. These installations, along with Fort George, were designed to provide comprehensive coverage of the island’s capital and surrounding areas. However, by 1846, the fort’s military use had ceased.

Fort George retains several of its original features, including early 19th-century cannons and a distinctive prison cell carved into the hill. This cell, never used to detain prisoners, served instead as a secure vault for merchants and plantation owners to store valuables during times of unrest.

In 1883, a Victorian-style signal station was added to the site, facilitating maritime communication through flag signals between the North Post Wireless Station and the harbor master’s quarters in Port of Spain. This signal station was designed by Kofi Nti, the son of Ashanti king Kofi Calcali, who came to Trinidad after the third Ashanti war.

The site underwent restoration in 1965, with the former beacon house converted into a museum showcasing the history of the fort. Today, Fort George is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors panoramic views of Port of Spain, the Caroni Swamp, and the surrounding northern suburbs. Its exposed location and historical artifacts make it a remarkable vantage point and a window into Trinidad’s colonial past.