Fort Frederick, Saint Andrew Travel Guide

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

Perched atop Richmond Hill, Fort Frederick offers panoramic views of St. George's and the Grenadian landscape. Built by the French in the late 18th century 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

27X6+7XH, Richmond Hill, GD
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Monday 8 am-6 pm
Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
Thursday 8 am-6 pm
Friday 8 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Fort Frederick.

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 surrounding coastline.
Consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy softer lighting for photography.
Read up on the history of Fort Frederick or hire a local guide to gain a deeper understanding of its significance.
Combine your visit to Fort Frederick with a trip to nearby Fort Matthew for a more comprehensive historical experience.

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Explore Fort Frederick on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Fort Frederick, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the center of St. George's, Fort Frederick is approximately a 2-mile uphill hike. The walk will take you through the streets of St. George's and then up Richmond Hill. Be prepared for a moderately strenuous walk, especially in the heat.
Public Transport

Local buses, specifically those heading towards St. Paul's, can take you partway up Richmond Hill. From the bus stop, there will be some walking required to reach the fort. Buses are easily identified by their route number on the windshield. Bus fares range from EC$2.50 to EC$6.50, depending on the distance. Buses typically operate from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in St. George's and can take you directly to Fort Frederick. Agree on a fare with the driver before starting your journey. A taxi from St. George's to Fort Frederick may cost around EC$25. Taxis in Grenada do not typically accept credit cards, so be sure to have cash on hand.

Discover more about Fort Frederick

Fort Frederick, located on Richmond Hill, stands as a testament to Grenada's colonial past and strategic importance. Constructed between 1779 and 1783 during the tug-of-war between the French and British for control of Grenada, the fort is one of the best-preserved bastions in the Caribbean. Unusually, it never saw battle, which adds to its unique appeal.Built by the French after they regained control of the island from the British, Fort Frederick was designed to defend against inland attacks. This is why its cannons face inland, rather than out to sea, leading to its moniker as the 'backward-facing fort'. The British completed the fort after regaining Grenada.Standing 244 meters (800 feet) above sea level, Fort Frederick provides breathtaking panoramic views of Grenada. From this vantage point, visitors can see the capital city of St. George's, the azure Caribbean Sea, and the lush, mountainous landscape. The fort offers a glimpse into the island's military history and the power struggles that shaped the region.Visitors can explore the fort's ramparts and gun emplacements, imagining life as a soldier in the 18th century. While the fort itself may not offer extensive historical information, the views and the palpable sense of history make it a worthwhile destination. It's recommended to read up on the fort's history or hire a guide to fully appreciate its significance.During the 1979 Grenada Revolution, Fort Frederick served as the headquarters for the motorized division of the People's Revolutionary Army. The Central Committee, led by Maurice Bishop, held meetings at the fort during the later revolutionary period of 1983.