Fort Shirley: A Caribbean Bastion of History
Discover Dominica's colonial past at Fort Shirley, a historic fort with stunning views and a captivating story within Cabrits National Park.
Fort Shirley, located in Cabrits National Park, is Dominica's most significant historical site. Constructed by the British in 1765, it served as a crucial defense against French invasions during the 18th and 19th centuries. The fort was named after Sir Thomas Shirley, the Governor of the Leeward Islands. The French also made significant additions to the fort during their occupation of Dominica from 1778 to 1784. Built within a volcanic crater, the fort's Georgian architecture includes over 50 buildings, such as gun batteries, cisterns, powder magazines, and barracks capable of housing 600 men. Fort Shirley is also known for the 1802 revolt of the 8th West India Regiment, where African slave soldiers mutinied to protest poor conditions and fear of being sold back into slavery. This revolt led to the emancipation of all British slave soldiers in 1807. Abandoned in 1854, restoration efforts began in 1982, led by Dominican historian Dr. Lennox Honychurch. Today, visitors can explore the restored Officer's Quarters, Soldier's Barracks, and ramparts. The site is used for tourism, events, and offers walking trails with panoramic views of Prince Rupert's Bay and Douglas Bay.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the fort involves walking on uneven terrain.
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy a quieter experience.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of Prince Rupert Bay and Douglas Bay.
- Consider taking a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the fort's history and significance.
A brief summary to Fort Shirley
- HGMG+7HV, Portsmouth, DM
Getting There
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Walking
From the Cabrits National Park entrance, follow the marked trails leading to Fort Shirley. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes uphill. The path is well-maintained but can be steep in sections. Look for signs directing you to the fort. There is an entrance fee of $5 USD per person to enter Cabrits National Park, which includes access to Fort Shirley.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From Portsmouth, a taxi to the entrance of Cabrits National Park costs approximately $10-15 USD. From the park entrance, it's a 15-20 minute walk to Fort Shirley. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Remember to factor in the $5 USD park entrance fee upon arrival.
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Public Transport
From the main bus terminal in Portsmouth, you can take a minibus heading towards Cabrits National Park. Look for buses marked 'Cabrits' or 'Douglas Bay' at the Portsmouth bus stop. The fare is around $3-5 XCD (Eastern Caribbean Dollars). Ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance to the park. From there, it's an uphill walk to Fort Shirley. Don't forget the $5 USD park entrance fee.
