Rat Island Battery Travel Guide

Free Guide: Explore Rat Island Battery in St. John's: a historic fortress with stunning views and a rich heritage reflecting Antigua's colonial past.

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Rat Island Battery

A brief summary of Rat Island Battery

Explore Rat Island Battery in St. John's: a historic fortress with stunning views and a rich heritage reflecting Antigua's colonial past.

Rat Island Battery, a historic fortress in St. John's, Antigua, offers a glimpse into the island's colonial past. Over the years, it has served as a fort, signal station, leper colony and even a rum distillery. Today, it stands as a reminder of Antigua's strategic importance and diverse history.

4.5 Excellent · 4 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Every dayOpen 24 hours

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
44GV+FMF Port Authority, St John's

Getting there

Walking

From the Port Authority in St. John's, Rat Island Battery is a short walk. Head north along the waterfront, following the coastline. The battery is located on a small island connected to the mainland by a causeway. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.

Public Transport

From the West End Bus Terminal in St. John's, take bus 50 or 61. Get off at Dickenson Bay St / Mariners Lane, then walk for 10 minutes to Rat Island Battery. Bus fare is approximately EC$3.

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Overview

Rat Island Battery, situated in St. John's Harbour, boasts a rich and varied history. Originally established by the British in the 17th century, the island served as a crucial defensive fort, protecting the harbor from potential invaders. Over time, the fort expanded, with barracks constructed in the 1740s to house the 38th Regiment of Foot.Abandoned as a fort in the mid-1700s, Rat Island transitioned through several phases. It became a signal station, relaying vital information about approaching vessels. The island also served as a refuge, housing a leper colony and a lunatic asylum. In the early 1900s, it was repurposed again, this time as a rum distillery.Today, Rat Island is undergoing further transformation. Plans are in place to develop the area into a hub of economic activity, including a ferry terminal, shops, restaurants, and a small hotel. Despite these modern developments, the island retains its historical significance, offering visitors a unique insight into Antigua's past.

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