Fort Charlotte
The locals have a very popular hang-out spot, and it’s a great place to have true Caribbean food! The local Fish Fry is a strip along the shore filled with local restaurants, loud music, and people everywhere enjoying a meal, going on dates, or just spending time with friends. It’s a fun place that is just one jitney stop away from where all the cruise ships dock!
When traveling to experience the local Fish Fry, look up the hillside. See that large structure? That is Fort Charlotte!! Once you are at the Fish Fry, walking toward the Fort start across the street and head along the road. If you see a driving school, then you found your way. Head up, and you will get to this Fort.
Fort Charlotte is the largest of the forts on the island. It is an intimidating structure. The 1879 construction was overseen by Dunmore. The structure was named Fort Charlotte. Charlotte was the name of the wife of King George III, but also the name of Dunmore’s wife. Huuum?!?! Pleasing both women??
The fort as it stands today is actually three fortified structures combined into one massive stronghold. The middle structure, Fort Stanley, and the western portion, Fort D’Arcy, were both added at later dates. This fort complex is huge, but amazingly not even a single shot was ever fired from it! Maybe, its massive size was enough of a defense.
There are tours available or feel free to explore on your own.
Once exploring, you will see the soldier’s barracks, jail cells, the old well, pivoting cannons, and more. A plaque on the wall describes the daily life of the soldiers who manned the fort. A very interesting part of this fort is the carvings in the walls which were made by the soldiers living there. The inscriptions of names, carvings of flags, and dates as far back as 1796 are clearly visible. It is amazing to see a current day testament to the soldiers who served there.
After exploring, you will remain in awe of the fort that never received the chance to test herself in the moment of battle. But if she did, it would have been quite the experience.
Entry fee to the complex is $5.00. If you would like a guided experience, tours available.