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Fort Frederick: A Backward Glance at History

Explore Grenada's history at Fort Frederick: panoramic views, unique architecture, and a bastion that never fired a shot in anger.

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Perched atop Richmond Hill, Fort Frederick offers panoramic views of Grenada's capital, St. George's. 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 grounds.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of St. George's and the coastline.
  • Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Fort Matthew for a more comprehensive historical experience.
  • Read up on the fort's history beforehand or hire a local guide to enhance your understanding of its significance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of St. George's, Fort Frederick is approximately a 2-mile uphill hike. The walk takes you through residential areas of Richmond Hill. Be prepared for a moderately steep climb. There are no sidewalks for some portions of the walk. Allow about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the fort. Remember to bring water and wear appropriate footwear.

  • Public Transport

    From the Grand Anse Bus Terminal, take a bus heading towards St. George's. Bus fare is around EC$2.00. Ask the driver to let you off near Fort Frederick. From the drop-off point, there will be an uphill walk of approximately 15-20 minutes to reach the fort. Local buses operate from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday to Saturday.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in St. George's and Grand Anse. A taxi ride from Grand Anse Beach to Fort Frederick typically costs between EC$15 to EC$25, depending on negotiation. Ensure the taxi driver knows you want to go to Fort Frederick on Richmond Hill. Confirm the price before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Fort Frederick

Fort Frederick, majestically situated on Richmond Hill, provides breathtaking views of St. George's harbor and the surrounding landscape. Constructed between 1779 and 1783 during the tug-of-war between the French and British for control of Grenada, it stands as one of the best-preserved forts in the Caribbean. Interestingly, despite its imposing structure and strategic location, Fort Frederick never engaged in combat. The French began construction in 1779, recognizing the need for fortifications to defend against land-based attacks, which had allowed them to recapture Grenada from the British. The British completed the fort in 1783. Its cannons were intentionally positioned to face inland, a unique design choice that led to its moniker as the 'backward-facing fort'. Standing 244 meters (800 feet) above sea level, Fort Frederick offers stunning panoramic views. Visitors can explore the fort's well-preserved ramparts, gun emplacements, and tunnels, gaining insights into Grenada's military past. From this vantage point, one can see the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, the picturesque Carenage, and the rolling mountain ridges to the north. During the 1979 Grenada Revolution, Fort Frederick served as the headquarters for the motorized division of the People's Revolutionary Army. The fort also holds a connection to King Henry Christophe, a former slave who later became a key leader in the Haitian Revolution and monarch of the Kingdom of Haiti. It is believed that Christophe worked on the fort as a slave before stowing away to Haiti. Today, Fort Frederick remains a major visitor attraction, offering a glimpse into Grenada's rich history and providing unparalleled views of the island.

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