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Fort Montego: A Glimpse into Jamaica's Colonial Past

Explore Fort Montego in Montego Bay: a historical landmark offering a glimpse into Jamaica's colonial past and panoramic Caribbean views.

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Fort Montego, originally built in 1750 as Fort Frederick, later known as Fort George, is a historical landmark in Montego Bay. Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this former British stronghold offers a glimpse into Jamaica's colonial past, though it was deemed an inefficient fort.

A brief summary to Fort Montego

  • F3HF+9H2, Montego Bay, JM

Local tips

  • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven.
  • Bring your camera to capture the beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Hip Strip (Gloucester Avenue), walk towards Doctor's Cave Beach and continue straight. At the roundabout, proceed straight. Continue for about 10 minutes to reach Fort Montego on your left. There are no entrance fees.

  • Public Transport

    From Montego Bay Town Centre, go to the bus terminal and take a bus towards 'Falmouth' or 'Lucea'. Ask the driver to stop at Fort Montego. The bus ride takes about 15-20 minutes. From there, follow signs to the fort. The bus fare is approximately JMD 100.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    From most tourist areas in Montego Bay, a taxi or ride-sharing service will take about 10-15 minutes to reach Fort Montego. Confirm that the driver knows the destination. The estimated fare is JMD 500-700.

Unlock the Best of Fort Montego

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Discover more about Fort Montego

Fort Montego, initially constructed in 1750 and known as Fort Frederick and later Fort George, was designed by European engineers and built by enslaved Jamaicans. The fort was intended to protect Montego Bay from potential invasions. Despite its purpose, the fort was considered inefficient. Fort Montego's history is filled with interesting anecdotes. In 1760, one of its cannons exploded during a salute, tragically killing a gunner. On another occasion in 1795, the fort mistakenly fired upon a British ship. The fort was last manned in 1832. Today, Fort Montego stands as a reminder of Jamaica's colonial era. Visitors can explore the fort's remnants, including cannons and stone walls. Located near the Hip Strip, Fort Montego is easily accessible and offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. The site provides informative plaques that detail the fort's construction and its role in the island's defense.

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