Fort Montagu

Fort Montagu

Fort Montagu was built in 1741 on the east coast of New Providence Island in the Bahamas. It was originally a small fort constructed by British colonists at the time to defend against a potential Spanish invasion. Today, this small fort has become a ruin and is one of the most important historic sites in the Bahamas.

Fort Montagu is famous for being the site of the first military engagement of the United States Marine Corps: In 1776, the Continental Congress learned that the British had stored a large amount of gunpowder on New Providence Island. They ordered the newly formed Marine Corps, under the command of Commodore Esek Hopkins, to lead troops there. When Hopkins and his men arrived about two kilometers from Fort Montagu, they were surprised to find that the Bahamian forces had retreated without a fight to Fort Nassau — because the gunpowder had already been removed by the Bahamian government by the time the Marines arrived. In the end, the Marines only managed to bring back 46 cannons and several thousand cannonballs captured from Fort Montagu. But these supplies became an important resource for Washington’s troops at the time.

Fort Montagu

Why go: One of the most important historic ruins in the Bahamas

Continent where the attraction is located: North America

Country/region where the attraction is located: Bahamas

Province/state where the attraction is located: New Providence

City where the attraction is located: Nassau