FORT GEORGE -
WHERE THE AIR IS RARE!
Trinidad Guardian
Auto Weekly - On
Tour
June 9, 2000
Page 8
Fort
George, which overlooks St James and much of western Port of
Spain, was initially built in 1804 as part of a complex of fortifications that
protected the island and its main harbour of Port of Spain.
There
is a lot of history behind the military installation. Its position overlooking the harbour was an obvious artillery
location for the then British Governor, Brigadier-General Sir Thomas Hislop,
who set up an outpost to defend the country's main access to the outside world.
Fort
George was a key military position in a network of fortifications and sea
defences which included the York, Princess Charlotte, Abercromby and Cambridge
on the lower slopes as well as the Cumberland to the North - just above the
Fort.
Because
of the close proximity to the harbour, Fort George was considered to be the
last line of heavy artillery positions defending the harbour from possible
attack from other hostile European colonial powers.
Considered
to be impregnable in its day, the Fort was the major defensive position on the
island, but it was never to experience military action. In times of rumors of
war, the merchants of Port of Spain would store their records, cash and valuables
in the safe inside the Fort.
Fort
George ceased to be a military establishment in 1846 and was converted into a
signal station in 1902, which continued to be in operation until 1964.
This
signal station, built about 1883, was designed by Prince Kofi Nti, son of King
Kofi Calcali of Ashantee, West Africa.
He arrived in Trinidad on July 1, 1881, having become a ward of the
British Government after a war against the Ashantees in 1872.
He
was placed in the care of JH Collens, Superintendent of the Boys' Model and
Normal School in Port of Spain and author of A Guide to Trinidad,
published in 1886 by Elliot Stock of London, who had him attached to the Works
Department on the island.
Prince
Kofi Nti was described as being quick but unassuming in manner, with a great
interest in stamp collecting and a 'great exponent of terpsichorean art.' After a stay of a few years in Trinidad, he
was sent to England, where he eventually died.
A major restoration of the building took place in 1965, three years
after Trinidad gained its independence.
The
Fort, as it is affectionately called, is one of the favourite places for our
touring team. As city dwellers, the
site offered a quick opportunity to be in the middle of nature and the nation's
colonial heritage but away from the bustle of every day living in just 15
minutes.
Up
at the Fort, the air is rare. The cool,
fresh breezes can easily brighten up your spirit and add to the atmosphere of
romance, fun or just thoughtful meditation.
In many cases, however, visitors take advantage of the pristine
surroundings to wind down at the end of a long day at work.
Because
of safety precautions, the site is closed promptly at 6 p.m. daily.
The
facility is also a good spot for bird-watchers interested in Trinidad's songbirds,
which tend to be located in forested and highland areas of the island. There are many soaring birds which nest or
feed in the forest nearby or along the shoreline. The creatures can provide hours of relaxation and thrills for
nature lovers, as the majestic animals seem to hang in the air sometimes
motionless for long periods, without moving their wings.
Restored
recently by the Rotary Club of Port of Spain West and maintained by Tidco, the
Fort is a popular stop for foreign and local visitors to the Capital City. Facilities include picnic areas, a
playground for kids as well as washroom facilities.