Fort James, Colonial fort in Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda
Fort James is a military fortification positioned at the harbor entrance of Saint John's, featuring cannons, powder storage areas, and barracks foundations. The site spreads across the waterfront with clear views of the Caribbean Sea and the approach to the harbor.
The fort was built by the British in 1706 to defend the harbor against French attacks from the sea. It was equipped with defensive guns and garrisoned with soldiers to control access to the harbor.
The fort takes its name from King James II of England and represents how British military forces shaped the Caribbean during colonial times. Walking through the site, you can feel the mark this period left on local history.
The fort sits about 2.5 kilometers from downtown Saint John's and is easy to reach by road. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower and you can explore the site comfortably without intense heat.
The fort still displays its original cannons positioned exactly where they were mounted centuries ago to watch the harbor. These guns show visitors how the defense of the harbor entrance actually worked in practice during that time.
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