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Cotton Tower Signal Station: A Historic Sentinel

Discover Barbados' colonial past at Cotton Tower Signal Station, offering panoramic views of the Scotland District and a tranquil escape.

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Explore the ruins of the Cotton Tower Signal Station in Barbados, a 19th-century communication outpost offering panoramic views of the Scotland District. Though currently closed to the public, the site provides a glimpse into the island's colonial past and its sophisticated early warning systems.

A brief summary to Cotton Tower Signal Station

  • Horse Hill, Saint Joseph, BB

Local tips

  • Visit during the late afternoon for the best lighting for photography and to witness a stunning sunset over the Scotland District.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the surrounding paths can be uneven and require some walking.
  • Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of the coastline and the lush landscape.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like Hunte's Gardens or PEG Farm for a full day of exploration in St. Joseph.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Bridgetown, take the #6 bus towards Bathsheba. Ask the driver to drop you off near the Horse Hill junction. From there, it's approximately a 20-minute walk uphill to the Cotton Tower Signal Station. The bus fare is approximately $3.50 BBD. Be sure to confirm the stop with the driver, as it is not a designated stop right at the tower.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Bridgetown, a taxi or ride-share to Cotton Tower Signal Station will cost approximately $40-$50 BBD and take around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Ask the driver to take you directly to the entrance of the station on Horse Hill Road.

  • Driving

    If driving from Bridgetown, take Highway 3 towards the East Coast. Follow the signs to St. Joseph and Horse Hill. Once you reach Horse Hill Road, turn onto it and follow it uphill. The Cotton Tower Signal Station will be on your right. There is limited parking available near the site. Be aware that the road can be narrow and winding in some sections.

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Discover more about Cotton Tower Signal Station

Perched on Horse Hill in St. Joseph, the Cotton Tower Signal Station is a significant landmark offering a unique glimpse into Barbados' colonial past. Constructed in 1819, it was one of six signal stations erected across the island following the 1816 slave rebellion. These stations were designed to monitor the island's landscape and surrounding ocean, quickly relaying information about approaching ships, cane fires, and potential uprisings. Named after Lady Catherine Cotton, daughter of Lord Combermere, the Governor of Barbados, the Cotton Tower Signal Station is the only three-story signal station. Its elevated position, 1,091 feet above sea level, provides panoramic views of the Scotland District and the Atlantic coastline. The tower's walls were built with rubble, coral blocks, and bricks, reflecting the architectural style of the era. The stations used signal fires, semaphore techniques with flags and lights, and openings in the station walls to relay messages rapidly. After the advent of the telephone in 1883, the signal stations became obsolete, with the last one closing in 1887. Before decommissioning, they briefly served in the shipping industry, signaling ships and warning of hurricanes. Today, managed by the Barbados National Trust, the Cotton Tower Signal Station has been transformed from a military lookout point into a tourist attraction. Although the interior is currently closed, the site remains a popular destination for its historical significance and natural beauty.

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