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Fort Frederick: A Backward Glance at Grenada's History

Explore Grenada's colonial past at Fort Frederick, a unique 'backward-facing' fort with panoramic views of St. George's and the Caribbean Sea.

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Perched atop Richmond Hill, Fort Frederick offers panoramic views and a unique glimpse into Grenada's colonial past. Built by the French and 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 and exploring the fort's multi-level structure.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of St. George's and the surrounding coastline.
  • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Read up on the history of the fort beforehand or hire a local guide to learn more about its significance.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From St. George's, a taxi is the most convenient way to reach Fort Frederick. Taxis are readily available throughout the city. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A typical one-way taxi ride from the city center to Fort Frederick costs around EC$30-40 (US$11-15). The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses (route 8) travel from St. George's to the Richmond Hill area near Fort Frederick. From the bus stop on Richmond Hill, it's approximately a 10-15 minute walk uphill to the fort. The bus fare is EC$2.50 (less than US$1) per person. Be prepared for a steep walk in the Caribbean heat.

  • Walking

    For those who enjoy a more active approach, it's possible to walk from St. George's to Fort Frederick. The walk is approximately 2 miles and takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace. Be aware that the final ascent to Richmond Hill is quite steep. Start from the Carenage in St. George's and follow the road leading east towards Richmond Hill. While walking, be cautious of traffic as you make your way up the hill.

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Discover more about Fort Frederick

Fort Frederick, standing majestically on Richmond Hill, provides a captivating journey through Grenada's colonial history and offers stunning panoramic views of the island. Constructed by the French between 1779 and 1783 during their brief control of Grenada, the fort was strategically designed to defend against potential British invasions. Ironically, the British eventually captured Grenada and completed the fort in 1795. Named after Frederick, the Duke of York, Fort Frederick is renowned as one of the best-preserved bastions in the Caribbean. What sets it apart is that it never fired a single cannon in anger. Its cannons were strategically positioned inland, facing away from the sea, to defend against land-based attacks, hence the moniker 'backward-facing fort'. Standing 244 meters (800 feet) above sea level, Fort Frederick offers breathtaking views of St. George's, the island's capital, the picturesque Carenage, and the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea. From this vantage point, visitors can admire the lush vegetation-covered mountain ridges and quaint houses stretching to the north. The fort itself consists of four levels, including an upper level with a powder magazine, a second level with water cisterns and gun batteries, and a third level featuring a network of tunnels. 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 in 1983. Exploring Fort Frederick provides a unique insight into Grenada's turbulent past and the shifting power dynamics of the Caribbean.

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