Cabrits National Park, Saint Peter Travel Guide

Cabrits National Park, established in 1986, is located on the northern tip of Dominica, encompassing 1,313 acres of land and sea. The park's name is derived from the Spanish, French, and Portuguese word for "goat," referencing the animals that once roamed the island. The park was created to protect both the cultural heritage of Fort Shirley and the surrounding natural environment.The park's geography is dominated by two volcanic hills, East Cabrit (140m) and West Cabrit (171m), remnants of an ancient volcanic crater. These hills offer panoramic views of the coastline and the Caribbean Sea. The park also includes tropical forests, coral reefs, and wetlands, supporting a diverse range of plant and animal life.Fort Shirley, the park's main historical attraction, was constructed by the British in 1765 as a military outpost to defend the island. The fort was expanded by the French between 1778 and 1784 during their occupation of Dominica. The fort housed over 600 men and featured barracks, storage facilities, and fortified walls. In 1802, the fort was the site of a revolt by African slave soldiers of the 8th West India Regiment, an event that contributed to the emancipation of slave soldiers in the British Empire in 1807. The fort was abandoned in 1854 and underwent restoration starting in 1982. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of Fort Shirley, including the officers' quarters, soldiers' barracks, and ramparts.Cabrits National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, snorkeling, and diving. The park has a network of trails that meander through the forest, providing access to the coastline, wetlands and Fort Shirley. The coral reefs off the shoreline are home to a variety of colorful fish and marine life.