Fort Matthew: A Historical Sentinel of St. George's

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Explore Grenada's Fort Matthew: A historic landmark with stunning views of St. George's and a glimpse into the island's past.

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Fort Matthew

Fort Matthew, constructed in the late 18th century, stands as a testament to Grenada's colonial past. Once a battleground and later a mental institution, this fort offers panoramic views of St. George's and a glimpse into the island's layered history.

A brief summary to Fort Matthew

3726+4Q7, St George's, 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 Matthew.

Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the fort involves walking on uneven surfaces.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better lighting for photography.
Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities available at the fort.
Consider joining a guided tour to gain in-depth historical insights.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From the Carenage bus terminal in St. George's, catch a minibus heading towards Grand Anse or St. Paul's. Inform the driver you wish to get off at the stop for Fort Matthew. After disembarking, walk a short distance uphill, following the signs for Fort Matthew. Bus fare ranges from EC$2.50 to EC$6.50, depending on the route. From the bus stop, it's approximately a 10-15 minute walk uphill to the fort.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in St. George's. A taxi ride from the city center to Fort Matthew typically costs around EC$25. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. The ride takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Walking

From the center of St. George's, walking to Fort Matthew takes about 20 minutes. Head east on Carenage towards the roundabout. Take the second exit onto Melville Street and continue straight until you reach the junction with the main road. Turn left onto the main road and follow the signs for Fort Matthew. Be prepared for an uphill walk.

Discover more about Fort Matthew

Perched on Richmond Hill, Fort Matthew offers a captivating journey into Grenada's rich and complex history. Construction on the fort began in 1784 by the French after they regained control of Grenada, and was completed in 1790. Named after then-Governor Edward Matthew, the 1500-yard fort is the largest on the island. Its strategic location adjacent to Fort Frederick made it a key defensive point, offering commanding views of St. George's harbor and the surrounding landscape.Throughout its history, Fort Matthew has served multiple roles. Initially a battleground in the struggle between the French and English for control of Grenada, it later became a mental institution in 1880, serving the entire Windward Island. The fort's colorful past is palpable as you explore its well-preserved structures, including 18th-century bathrooms, army kitchens, and cell blocks. Visitors can wander through intact tunnel networks beneath the fort, offering a sense of wonder and adventure.Though accidentally bombed by U.S. forces during the 1983 invasion of Grenada, much of Fort Matthew remains intact. Today, the site provides not only a historical experience, but also stunning panoramic views. From its vantage point, you can see the Melville Street Cruise Port, St. George's University, and the Carenage. Guided tours are available for those seeking deeper insights into the fort's history and significance.