Cabrits National Park, Saint John Travel Guide

Cabrits National Park, established in 1986, is located on the northern coast of Dominica, near the town of Portsmouth. The park spans 1,313 acres (5.30 sq km) and includes both land and sea. The name 'Cabrits' comes from the French, Spanish and Portuguese word for 'goat', referencing the animals that once roamed the island.The park's geography is dominated by two volcanic hills, East Cabrit and West Cabrit, remnants of an ancient volcanic crater. These hills are connected to mainland Dominica by sweeping material from Douglas Bay and Prince Rupert Bay. The park was created to protect the cultural heritage of Fort Shirley and conserve the surrounding environment, including coral reefs and forests.Fort Shirley, constructed in 1765 by the British, served as a military outpost. It was expanded by the French between 1778 and 1784. The fort housed over 600 men and consisted of more than 50 buildings. It was abandoned in 1854. Fort Shirley is historically significant as the site of the 1802 West India Regiment Rebellion, where African soldiers revolted against British colonial rule. This revolt contributed to the emancipation of slave soldiers in the British Empire in 1807.Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of Fort Shirley, including officers’ quarters, soldiers’ barracks, and ramparts. The park offers hiking trails with scenic viewpoints, opportunities for snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs, and bird watching.