- Height above sea level: 75 m
- Date of construction: September 1759.
- Material: granite
- Operation period: 1759 - 1780 years.
- Cost of visit: free of charge
Fort Haldane (English name - Fort Haldane) is a military fort located just 1.5 km from the city of Port Maria , in St. Mary's District, in Jamaica . The nearest cities to the fortress are Port Maria, Kingston , Montego Bay .
History of creation
Fort Haldane was built in 1759 to protect the harbor of the city of Port Maria from the attacks of the Spaniards, and also to accommodate the garrison of soldiers providing security of the city and control over the population. The name Fort was given in honor of George Haldane, who at that time was the governor of Jamaica.
In history Fort Haldane entered as a place where in 1760 there was an uprising of slaves led by one of them, nicknamed Takki. The battles lasted for 5 months and became one of the bloodiest uprisings against slavery in Jamaica. The result was the brutal suppression of the rebels by the British garrison and the death of many participants, including their leader Takki.
As a fortification fort Fort Haldane served only 21 years. In 1780, a hurricane destroyed part of the premises. The threat of an attack on Port Maria was weakened by that time, and the garrison was transferred to Ocho Rios .
What interesting things can you see in Fort?
First of all, it should be noted that Fort Haldane with its guns is strategically very well located. It stands on a high hill, the guns are directed towards the Caribbean Sea. From here you can enjoy stunning views of the old town harbor. In addition, the houses of Sir Henry Morgan and Sir Noel Coward are nearby.
The military equipment of Fort Haldane during construction was the most perfect. Cannon carriages are installed on rotary structures, which allows to cover significant radii for defense. Therefore, according to the calculations of the English scientist Benjamin Robins, with the support of Governor Haldane, to protect Port-Mary, it was sufficient to install only two high-precision guns, which have a rotation angle of about 180 ° and located at a height of approximately 100 feet above sea level.
Visiting the Fort today, you can see two such guns, as well as the remains of several farm buildings.
How to visit?
The largest international airports in Jamaica are located in the cities of Kingston and Montego Bay . Fly to them directly is impossible because of the lack of such flights, so there is an option to fly to Montego Bay via Frankfurt or Kingston with a transfer in London. Then you can rent a taxi or rent a car and go to the city of Port Maria , in the direction of Fort Haldane.