Fort James, Saint John's

Name: Fort James
Address: Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda
Telephone: +1 268-480-1225

#2 among attractions in Saint John's

Top attraction, Historical place, Forts and castles

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Facts and practical information

Perched on a scenic peninsula in the bustling city of Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda, Fort James stands as a stoic reminder of the island's colonial past. This historic fortification, constructed in the early 18th century, was named after King James II of England and served as a defensive stronghold designed to protect the harbor of Saint John's from enemy attacks and pirates.

The fort is well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the military architecture of the time. Its strategic location provides panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, making it not only a site of historical significance but also a spot for breathtaking scenery. The remnants of its once-formidable structure include thick walls, rusting cannons, and a powder magazine that collectively evoke the fort's military history.

Fort James is a testament to the colonial era of Antigua and Barbuda when European powers vied for control of the West Indies. The fort's cannons, pointing out to sea, are a stark reminder of the importance of naval supremacy during this period. As Antigua was a crucial hub for sugar production, Fort James played a vital role in protecting the island's economic interests.

Today, Fort James is a popular attraction for both history buffs and casual tourists. It provides an educational experience, illustrating the island's strategic importance in the colonial Caribbean. The fort's grounds are open to the public, inviting visitors to wander through the ruins and imagine the fort in its prime.

The site is not just a daytime destination; as the tropical sun sets, it offers one of the most enchanting sunset views on the island. Fort James is a piece of living history that continues to watch over Saint John's, much as it did centuries ago.

Alternative names: Built: 1706 (318 years ago)Coordinates: 17°7'49"N, 61°51'49"W

Address

Saint John's Antigua and Barbuda

Contact

+1 268-480-1225

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Saint John's

Day trips

Fort James – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Antigua Recreation Ground, St. John's Cathedral, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Museum of Antigua and Barbuda.

1.7 miE
Cricket, Football, Arenas and stadiums
Antigua Recreation Ground, Saint John's
44 min walk • The Antigua Recreation Ground, nestled in the heart of Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda, stands as a testament to the island's rich sporting culture and history. Known primarily as a cricket venue, this iconic sports ground has played host to numerous international...
1.5 miE
Church
St. John's Cathedral, Saint John's
40 min walk • St. John's Cathedral, often referred to as the St. John the Divine, stands as a beacon of faith and history in the bustling city of Saint John's, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda. This Anglican church, with its distinctive Baroque architecture, has been a spiritual...
5.5 miE
Sport, Sport venue, Arenas and stadiums
Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
142 min walk • Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is a stadium in North Sound, Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda. It was built for use in the 2007 Cricket World Cup where it hosted Super 8 matches.
1.4 miSE
Exhibits on the history of the island
Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, Saint John's
37 min walk • The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is a cultural gem nestled in the heart of Saint John's, the bustling capital of the twin-island nation. Housed in the colonial Court House, built in 1750, the museum offers a profound glimpse into the rich tapestry of the islands'...
2 miSE
Church
Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint John's–Basseterre, Saint John's
51 min walk • Nestled within the heart of the Caribbean, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint John's–Basseterre serves as a beacon of faith for the Catholic community in Antigua and Barbuda, as well as the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, and the British...
1.2 miN
Beach
Runaway Beach, Antigua
32 min walk • Runaway Beach is a well known white sand beach located near Saint John's in the Caribbean country of Antigua and Barbuda. The beach has suffered years of hurricane erosion and is still recovering.
4.7 miS
Beach, Hotel
Jolly Harbour, Bolands
120 min walk • Jolly Harbour is a township on Antigua island, in Antigua and Barbuda.
1.8 miE
Library
Antigua Public Library, Saint John's
46 min walk • The Antigua Public Library is the national library of Antigua and Barbuda, located in St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda.
1.6 miSW
Beach, Hotel
Five Islands, Antigua
41 min walk • Five Islands Village is a village located on the northwest coast of Antigua, within Saint John Parish in Antigua and Barbuda.
4.6 miE
Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue, Sport
Coolidge Cricket Ground, Saint John's
118 min walk • The Coolidge Cricket Ground is a cricket ground in Osbourn, Saint George Parish, Antigua. It was previously known as the Airport Cricket Ground, before it was taken over by American businessman and cricket enthusiast Allen Stanford, rebuilt in 2004 and named the Stanford Cricket Ground.
4.7 miNE
Universities and schools
American University of Antigua, Saint John's
121 min walk • American University of Antigua is a private, international medical school located in Antigua and Barbuda.