Fort George Where The Air Is Rare!
Trinidad Guardian
Auto Weekly - On Tour
June 9, 2000
Page 8
Fort George, which overlooks St James and much of western Port of Spain, was initially built in 1804 as part of a complex of fortifications that protected the island and its main harbour of Port of Spain.
There is a lot of history behind the military installation. Its position overlooking the harbour was an obvious artillery location for the then British Governor, Brigadier-General Sir Thomas Hislop, who set up an outpost to defend the country's main access to the outside world.
Fort George was a key military position in a network of fortifications and sea defences which included the York, Princess Charlotte, Abercromby and Cambridge on the lower slopes as well as the Cumberland to the North - just above the Fort.
Because of the close proximity to the harbour, Fort George was considered to be the last line of heavy artillery positions defending the harbour from possible attack from other hostile European colonial powers.
Considered to be impregnable in its day, the Fort was the major defensive position on the island, but it was never to experience military action. In times of rumors of war, the merchants of Port of Spain would store their records, cash and valuables in the safe inside the Fort.
Fort George ceased to be a military establishment in 1846 and was converted into a signal station in 1902, which continued to be in operation until 1964.
This signal station, built about 1883, was designed by Prince Kofi Nti, son of King Kofi Calcali of Ashantee, West Africa. He arrived in Trinidad on July 1, 1881, having become a ward of the British Government after a war against the Ashantees in 1872.
He was placed in the care of JH Collens, Superintendent of the Boys' Model and Normal School in Port of Spain and author of A Guide to Trinidad, published in 1886 by Elliot Stock of London, who had him attached to the Works Department on the island.
Prince Kofi Nti was described as being quick but unassuming in manner, with a great interest in stamp collecting and a 'great exponent of terpsichorean art.' After a stay of a few years in Trinidad, he was sent to England, where he eventually died. A major restoration of the building took place in 1965, three years after Trinidad gained its independence.
The Fort, as it is affectionately called, is one of the favourite places for our touring team. As city dwellers, the site offered a quick opportunity to be in the middle of nature and the nation's colonial heritage but away from the bustle of every day living in just 15 minutes.
Up at the Fort, the air is rare. The cool, fresh breezes can easily brighten up your spirit and add to the atmosphere of romance, fun or just thoughtful meditation. In many cases, however, visitors take advantage of the pristine surroundings to wind down at the end of a long day at work.
Because of safety precautions, the site is closed promptly at 6 p.m. daily.
The facility is also a good spot for bird-watchers interested in Trinidad's songbirds, which tend to be located in forested and highland areas of the island. There are many soaring birds which nest or feed in the forest nearby or along the shoreline. The creatures can provide hours of relaxation and thrills for nature lovers, as the majestic animals seem to hang in the air sometimes motionless for long periods, without moving their wings.
Restored recently by the Rotary Club of Port of Spain West and maintained by Tidco, the Fort is a popular stop for foreign and local visitors to the Capital City. Facilities include picnic areas, a playground for kids as well as washroom facilities.
|
|
|
