Fort Delgrès, Military fortress in Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe
Fort Delgrès is a military fortress in Basse-Terre built on elevated terrain with views over the Caribbean Sea and the city. The complex contains defensive walls, casemates, and powder magazines arranged across the sprawling grounds.
Charles Houël built the original stronghold in 1650 as a key defensive position for the territory. It was expanded and modified multiple times over the following centuries to keep pace with military advances.
The fort is named after Louis Delgrès, a leader who resisted the reinstatement of slavery by Napoleonic forces in 1802. His role in the island's story is still remembered by locals and visitors who walk through the site.
The fortress is open to visitors most days with informative exhibitions throughout the site about its military past. The elevated position makes it easy to orient yourself, and signs guide you around the sprawling grounds.
In the 1970s, scientists used the fort's large powder magazines as an observation station to monitor volcanic activity from the nearby Soufrière volcano. This unexpected use of a military structure for research is something few visitors know about.
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