Panoramic Caribbean Scenery
Fort George, Trinidad

Enjoy stunning views and a little Trinidad history...

High on a strategically positioned, fortified hill, amid idyllic Caribbean scenery, and overlooking Trinidad's northeastern quadrant stands Fort George.

It's a reminder of one of the turning points in Trinidad history, an event that ended 300 years of Spanish rule, and one of the best viewing platforms in the Caribbean.

 Trinidadian Cityscape 

On a clear day the views from Fort George are stunning. You can see across the Queen's Park Savannah and the capital Port-of-Spain to the much sturdier fortifications at Fort Picton in Laventille, across the Caroni Bird Sanctuary and the plains of Caroni to San Fernando Hill, and the Central Range.

Far below and sweeping out to the south are the city suburbs of Woodbrook, St Claire, St James, Westmoorings, and the blue, sheltered and relatively hurricane free expanse of the Gulf of Paria.

 Commanding Views 

Fort George offers a commanding view both visually and defensively. To the north is the valley of Deigo Martin with its strategically positioned North Post signaling station, and Petit Valley.

To the west lay the Boca Islands - islands of the Dragon's Mouth with Carib names like Chacachachre, referred to as down the islands, between which the likes of Christopher Columbus and Sir Walter Raleigh have sailed - and beyond them Venezuela, and the coast of South America.

This is the panorama that makes Fort George a favorite local weekend picnic attraction, and an ideal location to capture on film the Caribbean scenery offered by this elevated perspective.

 Fort George 

The original fortification included a lower battery at the base of the hill, which together with the hilltop fort were intended to protect Britain's newly won Caribbean territory, and the harbor of Port-of-Spain.

The British recognized strategic weaknesses in the Spanish defense of Trinidad, and the positioning of Fort George in direct sight of both the North Post, which has a commanding view of Trinidad's North Coast, and Fort Picton, was designed to provide Port of Spain with an early warning system in the event of attack. However...

 False Alarm 

Trinidad history records that while there was one false alarm during the Napoleonic Wars when Fort George was on high alert, the fort never saw action.

Apparently, Nelson's fleet, on its way to take part in the Battle of Trafalgar, was mistaken for a French invasion. In response to this perceived threat important records, valuables, wealthy merchants, and plantation owners where secured at Fort George to enjoy its vistas and Caribbean scenery in preparation for a siege.

 Comedy of Errors 

Additionally, the sight of Nelsons fleet caused the cannons at Fort Abercromby in Las Cuevas to be spiked, in a Shakespearean comedy of errors which resulted in Fort Abercromby being abandoned permanently without a shot being fired.

This event gives some idea of the tension and high state of alert that existed in the 1800s, a period during which Fort George is reported to have housed the largest contingent of British troops in the Caribbean.

 Entrance and Access 

Today, the troops are all gone, and entrance to Fort George is free. During the week it is relatively secluded location, so caution is advised particularly if visiting during late evening.

Trinidad hotels can arrange for you to visit Fort George, an easy 20-minute drive from Port-of-Spain. It's panoramic Caribbean scenery makes for an excellent stop off point on your get acquainted city tour, if combined with other Port-of-Spain sights.