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Fort Frederick: A Sentinel Over St. George's

Explore Grenada's Fort Frederick: A historic landmark with panoramic views of St. George's, offering a unique glimpse into the island's colonial past.

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Fort Frederick, perched atop Richmond Hill in Grenada, offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the island's colonial past. Built by the French and completed by the British, this remarkably preserved bastion never saw battle, earning it the nickname 'Backward Facing Fort' for its unusual inland-facing cannons.

A brief summary to Fort Frederick

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and capture the best lighting for photographs.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces and exploring the fort's ramparts.
  • Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay protected from the sun.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the fort's history and significance.
  • Combine your visit to Fort Frederick with a trip to nearby Fort Matthew or other attractions in St. George's.
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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 in the city center. Ensure the driver has a visible ID and a rate card. The ride to Fort Frederick takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Expect to pay around $8-10 USD (20-27 XCD) for the trip from St. George's. Confirm the fare before starting your journey.

  • Public Transport

    While public transport is available, it may not take you directly to Fort Frederick. You can take a local bus from St. George's to the Richmond Hill area, but you'll likely need to walk the final stretch uphill to the fort. Bus fares are typically around 2.50 XCD. This option is more budget-friendly but less convenient.

  • Walking

    For those who enjoy a good walk, it's possible to walk from St. George's to Fort Frederick. The walk is approximately 1.25 miles (2 km) and will take around 30-45 minutes. Be prepared for an uphill climb, as the fort is located on Richmond Hill. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Follow the main road towards St. Paul's. There are no specific fees for walking.

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Discover more about Fort Frederick

Fort Frederick, standing majestically above St. George's harbor, is a testament to Grenada's rich and often turbulent history. Constructed between 1779 and 1783 during the tug-of-war between the French and British empires for control of Grenada, it remains one of the best-preserved bastions in the Caribbean. Despite its imposing structure and strategic location, Fort Frederick holds the unique distinction of never having fired a single cannon in anger. The fort was designed to protect the harbor's eastern entrance, but its cannons were strategically positioned inland, facing the island rather than the sea. This peculiar design earned it the moniker 'Backward Facing Fort'. Rising 244 meters (800 feet) above sea level on Richmond Hill, Fort Frederick provides breathtaking panoramic views of Grenada's stunning landscape. From this vantage point, visitors can admire the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, the picturesque Carenage, and the rolling, verdant mountain ridges dotted with quaint houses to the north. Visitors can explore the fort's well-preserved ramparts, gun emplacements, and intriguing tunnels, gaining insights into the island's military past and the shifting power dynamics of the Caribbean. Fort Frederick was also used as the headquarters of the motorized division of the People's Revolutionary Army during the 1979 Grenada Revolution. Don't expect to find a lot of information on the history of the place from within the fort itself. It's a good idea to read up on the story behind it or get a good guide.

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