Fort Young | |
---|---|
Roseau, Dominica | |
Coordinates | 15°17′47″N 61°23′10″W / 15.29647°N 61.38624°W |
Type | Fortification |
Site information | |
Condition | Ruins |
Site history | |
Built | 1770 |
In use | No |
Materials | Stone |
Battles/wars | 1778 Invasion of Dominica (American Revolutionary War) |
Fort Young was a major military installation on the Caribbean island of Dominica. It was built by the British in 1770.[1] The fort was named for William Young, the island's first British governor.[1] Today, only ruins remain of the fort, and the site is the location of the Fort Young Hotel.[1][2]
In 1699, during the first French occupation of Barbados, a fort was built in Roseau, present-day capital of Dominica. In 1770, during the first British occupation of Barbados, a new fort was built at the location.[3] The new fort was named "Fort Young" for William Young, the island's first non-military British governor.[1] Young ordered the fort's construction during the time of the American Revolutionary War.[1] The fort was expanded by Captain Bruce, Royal Engineer, to contain 17 cannons.[4][5][6]
In 1778, the French successfully invaded Dominica and capturing multiple forts including Fort Young, and overtaking the island.[7] During this second occupation by the French, the fort's name was changed to Fort de La Reine.[8] Additions were made to the fort,[9] including improvements to the barracks, storeroom, and ramparts.[8] Dominica remained controlled by the French until 1784.[7] The island was returned to British control under the terms of the Treaty of Paris. On the January 10, 1784, a cannon salute was fired from Fort Young as Governor John Orde arrived via frigate to retake possession of Dominica.[7]
From the 1850s to 1960s, the fort was used as the headquarters of Dominica's police force.[1][9] In 1964, Fort Young Hotel was built on the site.[1][10] In 1979, Hurricane David destroyed a significant part of the fort's remains.[9] The courtyard of the hotel retains the fort's original flagstone walkways.[1][2] 19th-century cannons are located in the hotel's foyer[11][12] and at the entrance is a large stone that was once used to mount horses.[13] In 2023, hotel renovations included a new bar and lounge set in the fort's barracks, and a new fitness center at the level of the fort's ramparts and near the original flagpole.[14][15]