Understanding the Wars That Shaped the Caribbean and the Enslaved Builders Who Made It Possible

Why Antigua & Barbuda Became a Military Stronghold

For over three centuries, Antigua was one of Britain’s most fortified colonies in the Caribbean. But while the British military designed the forts, it was enslaved Africans—highly skilled masons, carpenters, and laborers—who built the walls, carved the stone, and laid the foundations. These fortifications tell the story of Antigua’s role in colonial wars, naval conflicts, and global trade battles.

This guide provides the most complete list of all known military installations built on Antigua & Barbuda, why each was built, who fought there, and what remains today.

Full List of Fortifications in Antigua & Barbuda

Each location was chosen for strategic defense, naval protection, or safeguarding trade routes.

Major Coastal Forts & Garrisoned Installations

1. Fort James (1706)

• Location: Northwest Antigua, guarding St. John’s Harbour.
• Why Here? Protected the island’s main trade port from French naval attacks.
• War/Event: Anglo-French Colonial Wars (1600s–1763).
• Built By: Designed by British engineers, constructed by enslaved Africans.
• Remains Today: Cannons, stone walls, and ocean views.

2. Shirley Heights (1780s)

• Location: Southeast Antigua, overlooking English Harbour.
• Why Here? At 490 feet, it provided a perfect lookout for spotting enemy ships.
• War/Event: Napoleonic Wars (1793–1815)—Britain vs. France for global control.
• Built By: Enslaved workers under British military orders.
• Remains Today: Barracks, parade grounds, a must-visit scenic site.

3. Fort Barrington (1779)

• Location: Western Antigua, guarding Deep Bay & St. John’s Harbour.
• Why Here? Prevented American and French naval invasions.
• War/Event: American Revolution (1775–1783)—Britain vs. U.S. & France.
• Built By: Enslaved African laborers under British officers.
• Remains Today: Hiking trail, stone ruins, deep-water lookout point.

4. Fort Berkeley (1704)

• Location: Southern Antigua, entrance to English Harbour.
• Why Here? Protected Nelson’s Dockyard and anchored British naval ships.
• War/Event: Piracy, Anglo-French wars, Napoleonic Wars.
• Built By: Enslaved masons and forced laborers.
• Remains Today: Guardhouse, powder magazine, cannons.

5. Nelson’s Dockyard (1725)

• Location: English Harbour, main naval base of the Caribbean.
• Why Here? Sheltered bay, deep water, ideal for British fleet repairs.
• War/Event: Napoleonic Wars (1793–1815)—key outpost for Admiral Nelson.
• Built By: Enslaved blacksmiths, stonecutters, shipbuilders.
• Remains Today: UNESCO-listed working dockyard with museums.

6. Monk’s Hill / Fort George (1689)

• Location: Central Antigua, above Falmouth Harbour.
• Why Here? Inland last defense stronghold in case coastal forts fell.
• War/Event: French invasions of the Caribbean (late 1600s–1700s).
• Built By: British settlers and enslaved workers.
• Remains Today: Large ruins, water storage systems.

Smaller Forts, Artillery Batteries & Defensive Outposts

7. Fort Cuyler (Mid-1700s)

• Location: Southern Antigua.
• Why Here? Defended against French and Spanish ships.
• War/Event: Seven Years’ War (1756–1763)—global British-French conflict.
• Built By: Enslaved workers under British orders.
• Remains Today: Partial ruins.

8. Fort Harman (1739)

• Location: Southwest Antigua.
• Why Here? Protected against pirate raids.
• War/Event: Caribbean piracy threats (1700s).
• Built By: British militia and enslaved laborers.
• Remains Today: Limited remains.

9. Fort Byam (1790s)

• Location: Coastal defense at Winthropes Bay.
• Why Here? Minor post - unknown.
• War/Event: French-British naval battles in the Caribbean.
• Built By: Enslaved laborers and British forces.
• Remains Today: No visible remains.

10. Middle Ground Battery (1800s)

• Location: Between Fort Berkeley & Shirley Heights.
• Why Here? Strengthened defense between major forts.
• War/Event: Napoleonic Wars (1793–1815).
• Built By: Enslaved workers under British supervision.
• Remains Today: Some stone walls.

11. Fort William (Early 1800s)

• Location: In Willoughby Bay, Freetown.
• Why Here? Surveillance and fortress
• War/Event: British naval dominance post-Napoleon.
• Built By: Enslaved workers.
• Remains Today: Limited, maybe stone foundations.

12. Sir George’s Artillery Battery (1790s)

• Location: Near Pinching Bay, west coast Antigua (Hawksbill area).
• Why Here? Protected Antigua’s vulnerable western coastline.
• War/Event: Napoleonic Wars (1793–1815).
• Built By: Enslaved laborers under British orders.
• Remains Today: No visible remains.

Why Antigua’s Military History Still Matters Today

Understanding these wars helps us predict modern conflicts. Could Antigua be used again as a strategic war base? History suggests it’s possible.

• The Anglo-French Wars (1600s–1763): Britain fought France for Caribbean sugar trade dominance.
• The American Revolution (1775–1783): France supported U.S. independence, threatening British Caribbean colonies.
• The Napoleonic Wars (1793–1815): Napoleon tried to cut off Britain’s supply routes—Antigua was Britain’s most important naval outpost.
• The War of 1812 (1812–1815): Britain blocked U.S. trade with Napoleon’s France—Antigua was a key supply base.

Visit These Sites & Hike Through History

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