Overview:

is a majestic fort standing on the banks of the St. John's Harbour. The fort was built in the 17th century to protect the harbour and surrounding coastal areas from invading navies. It was originally constructed to protect the ships coming in and out of the harbour and to provide a clear line of sight across the surrounding harbour. The fort is now a major tourist attraction in Antigua-and-Barbuda, offering great views of the water and nearby islands. The fort itself is also surrounded by a wall and hosts a number of cannons which still remain to this day. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda
Prominent Features:

Fort James is a historic fort located on St. John's Hilltop in Antigua-and-Barbuda . Built by the British in 1672 as a defense against pirate invasions and subsequent attacks, Fort James is a pivotal historical site that explores Antigua-and-Barbuda 's British heritage as well as its significant role in Caribbean military history. The fort’s primary function was as a defensive stronghold, backed by a formidable arsenal of cannons and other guns. Additional features such as a signal tower, a walled parade ground, casements, guard houses, and gates are also visible. Today, Fort James is one of the most popular attractions in St. John’s. It is open all year round and offers tours and a historical museum where tourists can explore the fort’s various components and learn about its significance in Caribbean history. Visitors can also take in views of the harbor, the nearby Caribbean Sea, and the narrow peninsula that juts out into the water. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda.

History:

Fort James is a 17th-century British fort located in the town of English Harbour, Antigua-and-Barbuda. The fort was built in 1672, by the British as part of their efforts to defend the islands against the Spanish. It was named after James, Duke of York, who later became King James II of England. The fort was damaged in 1712 by the French under Dutch Admiral Boudinot. The fort was rebuilt in 1729 and renamed "Fort Barrington" in honor of the Governor of Antigua at the time, Bartholomew Courtes. In 1745, it was further changed by construction of a new sea-facing rampart, and part of the interior was modified. During the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815), the fort was used to defend the island against French invasions. Fort James also served as a dockyard. Ships were constructed and repaired there. The fort remained in the hands of the British until 1967, when it was handed over to the Antiguan government. Today, Fort James remains mostly intact and is a popular tourist attraction in Antigua-and-Barbuda. It is part of Nelson's Dockyard National Park, and visitors can explore the fort's grounds, explore its many cannons and bastions, and view stunning views of the harbour. Visit one of the famous monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Fort James is one of the oldest forts in the Caribbean. Built in the 17th Century, complete with tunnels and watch towers, it once protected the entrance to St. John's Harbor. 2. Fort James is an iconic landmark that offers one of the best views of St. John's Bay and the Rough Point Peninsula. 3. In the late 1840s, it was refurbished and renamed 'Fort James II', in honour of Britain's then-monarch Queen Victoria's late husband, Prince Albert. 4. In the late 19th century, the fort served as a quarantine site, mainly for victims of yellow fever who had come from other Caribbean islands. 5. In 1928, the king George V Silver Jubilee Memorial was erected on the grounds of the Fort James. It is a black marble monument with a King George V bust and two World War I soldiers at the base. 6. The Fort James grounds have now been converted into a public park, complete with a scenic lookout kiosk, gardens, and picnic areas. 7. The yearly Fort James Drum Festival takes place in early June. It includes religious ceremonies, music, and dancing, which celebrate the Caribbean's African heritage. One of the historical monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda, it tells the story of a bygone era