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Fort Frederick: A Backward Glance at Grenada's History

Explore Grenada's colonial past at Fort Frederick, a remarkably preserved bastion with panoramic views and a unique 'backward-facing' design.

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Fort Frederick, perched atop Richmond Hill in Grenada, offers panoramic views and a unique glimpse into the island's colonial past. Built by the French but completed by the British, this remarkably preserved bastion never fired a shot in anger, earning it the nickname 'backward-facing fort' due to its inland-facing cannons.

A brief summary to Fort Frederick

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the fort's ramparts and uneven surfaces.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of St. George's and the coastline.
  • Consider visiting nearby Fort Matthew for a more comprehensive understanding of Grenada's military history.
  • Bring a flashlight to explore the short, unlit tunnels at the base of the fort.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of St. George's, the walk to Fort Frederick is approximately 2 miles and takes around 45 minutes. The route involves a steady uphill climb via winding roads. Use the local landmarks such as Richmond Hill Prison to orient yourself. Note that the walk back to St. George's is downhill.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses run from St. George's to Richmond Hill. Check with the bus terminal for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. From the drop-off point on Richmond Hill, it's a short uphill walk to the fort. Bus fare is typically around EC$2.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in St. George's. A taxi ride from the city center to Fort Frederick takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Expect to pay around EC$50 (US$20) for a one-way trip. Agree on the fare with the driver before starting your journey. There is no parking fee.

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Discover more about Fort Frederick

Fort Frederick, situated on Richmond Hill, stands as a testament to Grenada's complex colonial history. Constructed between 1779 and 1783 during the tug-of-war between the French and British empires, the fort is renowned as one of the best-preserved bastions in the Caribbean. Its strategic location, 244 meters (800 feet) above sea level, provides breathtaking panoramic views of St. George's, the island's capital, and the surrounding landscape. Ironically, Fort Frederick never engaged in battle. The French began construction after recapturing Grenada, realizing the need for inland defenses. They designed the fort to protect against land-based attacks, anticipating the British would attempt a naval assault. This unique design, with cannons facing inland rather than out to sea, led to its nickname, 'the backward-facing fort'. Following the Treaty of Versailles, the British completed the fort in 1783. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved ramparts, gun emplacements, and short tunnels (bring a flashlight!). Fort Frederick offers a tangible link to Grenada's military past and the shifting power dynamics of the Caribbean. In more recent history, Fort Frederick served as the headquarters for the motorized division of the People's Revolutionary Army during the 1979 Grenada Revolution. It was also a meeting place for the Central Committee led by Maurice Bishop.

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