Fort William Lighthouse, Lighthouse and fortification at Dawson's Hill, Cape Coast, Ghana.
Fort William Lighthouse is a fortified structure with a lighthouse tower situated on a hilltop overlooking the Atlantic coast near Cape Coast. The site combines defensive features with navigational functions that helped guide ships along the coastline.
The site began as Smith's Tower in 1820 under British colonial control and underwent reconstruction in the 1830s when it was renamed Fort William. This transformation reflects how the location's military importance grew during that period.
The name reflects British origins, while the structure today represents a symbol of the region's maritime past. Visitors can experience the connection to colonial times when walking through the stone fortifications.
The site is accessible during daylight hours, though visitors should be aware that museum staff occupy the premises. Getting there involves climbing to the hilltop location, so comfortable footwear is advisable for the walk.
This structure operated as one of three lookout posts designed to defend against attacks from inland, playing a critical role in protecting the entire trading post. Its placement at a moderate distance from a larger fort demonstrates the strategic layout of the British defensive network.
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