Fort Montagu

Fort Montagu is a stone fortification at the eastern end of Nassau Harbor with four cannons and thick limestone walls. The structure was built to defend the harbor entrances and protect against attacks from the sea.

The fort was built in 1741 under engineer Peter Henry Bruce and served as the first defensive structure on New Providence Island. During the colonial conflict it became the site of a naval operation in 1776.

The fort shows how the British protected their Caribbean colonies and what role such structures played in the daily life of the harbor town. Today visitors can see the thick walls that reflect the strategic location and building styles of that era.

The site is accessible daily and located on East Bay Street, easy to reach on foot. Wear sturdy shoes as the stone pathways are uneven and the sun can be intense.

The four cannons come from different periods and were positioned at the fort based on historical records. Many visitors do not notice that the cannons are not all original, with some added later.