Fort Tartenson

Fort Tartenson is a military fortification on the northern coast of Fort-de-France with thick stone walls and strategically placed artillery positions. These structures command views of the harbor entrance and display the architectural style of colonial defense.

The fort was built in 1867 and functioned as a key defensive installation during French colonial rule. It protected the capital from potential attacks from the sea.

The fort displays photographs and documents from the late 1800s that record when the last independent ruler of Dahomey was imprisoned within its walls. These artifacts tell the story of a period whose impact is still felt today.

The site is accessible on foot from downtown via marked walking paths and has designated viewpoints throughout. Tours guide visitors through the military architecture and the layout of the defensive structures.

The fortification displays original artillery placements that demonstrate how coastal defense systems worked in the 1800s across Caribbean colonial territories. These technical installations reveal the military engineering of that era.