Fort Shirley
Saint John
Fort Shirley is an 18th-century British military outpost located on the Cabrits Peninsula in northern Dominica, within the Cabrits National Park. Constructed beginning in 1765 under Governor Thomas Shirley, the fort was designed to defend the northern part of the island. The French expanded the fort during their occupation from 1778 to 1784, resulting in a Georgian-style complex comprising over 50 buildings capable of housing more than 600 men. Fort Shirley played a significant role in Caribbean colonial history, notably as the site of the 1802 revolt by the 8th West India Regiment, composed of African slave soldiers. This uprising contributed to the eventual liberation of slave soldiers on the island in 1807. The fort was abandoned in 1854 and fell into ruin until restoration efforts began in 1982 by Dr. Lennox Honychurch. Today, visitors can explore several restored buildings alongside scattered ruins, set within a park that protects diverse tropical ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and coral reefs. The fort's location on a volcanic peninsula offers hiking opportunities to nearby summits and scenic views of the surrounding marine environment.
Plan your trip to Dominica with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors are advised to explore Fort Shirley during daylight hours to fully appreciate the restored buildings and ruins. The best time to visit is during the dry season for comfortable hiking conditions along the trails leading to the fort and the Cabrits peaks. It is recommended to arrange guided tours or acquire tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Visitors should also prepare for uneven terrain and bring adequate water and sun protection.
Interesting facts
- •Fort Shirley housed over 600 soldiers at its peak, making it one of the largest military outposts in the West Indies.
- •The 1802 revolt by the 8th West India Regiment at Fort Shirley was a pivotal event leading to the liberation of slave soldiers on the island.
- •The fort is Georgian in architectural style and originally consisted of more than 50 buildings.
- •Restoration of the fort began in 1982 after years of deterioration.
- •The surrounding Cabrits National Park protects tropical forests, wetlands, and coral reefs, making it a rich ecological area as well as a historical site.
History
Fort Shirley was established in 1765 by the British as a strategic military garrison under Governor Thomas Shirley to protect northern Dominica.
During the French occupation from 1778 to 1784, the fort was expanded significantly.
In 1802, the fort was the site of a notable revolt by the 8th West India Regiment, composed of African slave soldiers, which influenced the emancipation of slave soldiers in 1807.
The fort was abandoned in 1854 and remained in disrepair until restoration efforts began in 1982, led by Dr.
Lennox Honychurch, preserving this important cultural heritage site within Cabrits National Park.
Place Guide
Main Fort Complex1765-1784
The central area of Fort Shirley, featuring restored Georgian-style buildings including barracks, officers' quarters, and defensive structures.
8th West India Regiment Revolt Site1802
Location within the fort where the 1802 revolt of African slave soldiers took place, a significant event in the history of emancipation on the island.
Hiking Trails to East and West Cabrit Peaks
Trails leading from the fort up to the two volcanic peaks of the Cabrits Peninsula, offering panoramic views of the park and surrounding bays.
