Forts & Fortresses on St. Maarten / St. Martin

Caribbean history is one of great powers vying for hegemony on the vital route of gold and spices. In fact, the first time the United States were recognized as an autonomous country also happened in the Caribbean. United States presidents the like of Franklin Delano Roosevelt have visited Statia to remember this fact.

To solidify power, many fortresses were built on strategic locations overlooking the trade routes. On both St. Maarten and St. Martin many were built, updated and sometimes removed for stronger equivalents. On St. Maarten / St. Martin, the fact that the island was divided for strategic reasons only amplified the need for strongholds on island.

On the Dutch side, Fort Amsterdam is the best preserved reminder and of great historical importance. On the French side, Fort Louis still towers over Marigot too.

For those after visiting more remnants of fortresses, there is also the opportunity to take a hike to Fort Willem, built above Fort Amsterdam as the reach of cannons increased.

Additional smaller batteries were built around Fort Amsterdam during later periods for extra coastal defense. For a great guide of all forts and batteries, see Dr. Hartog’s famous book “Forts and Fortresses of St. Maarten and St. Martin” on this topic.