Fort Haldane, Military fortress in Port Maria, Jamaica
Fort Haldane is a military fortress perched on a hilltop in Port Maria with cannons oriented toward the ocean. The remaining structures include a brick building with thick walls and two cannons that showcase colonial-era military engineering.
The fortress was built in 1759 during the Seven Years' War and named after General George Haldane, Jamaica's governor at that time. It was part of Britain's broader effort to secure its Caribbean territories against competing colonial powers.
The fort became a focal point during Tacky's Rebellion in 1760 when armed groups raided its weapons stores. It reflects how much colonial authorities feared losing control of their coastal trade routes.
The site sits on elevated ground with open views across the harbor, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploration. The access paths can be uneven in places, so allow time to move carefully through the terrain.
The two cannons were positioned on a 300-meter (about 1,000 feet) high hilltop where their range could cover the entire harbor. This precise calculation made the location one of the island's most effective defensive installations.
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