On the island of St. Kitts in the state of St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean, Brimstone Hill Fortress was built from 1690 to 1790 as a fortified coastal point. With interruptions, construction continued for over 100 years. In order to accommodate influential planters and traders in times of war, the special construction was intended.
Brimstone Hill Fortress also offered support to nearby Fort Charles. Sandy Point with its harbour, 2 miles away, was also defended from here.
From 1625 to 1713 England and France shared the occupation of St. Kitts. After the treaty of Utrecht in 1713 the whole island was assigned to the British. In 1782 the island was still a profitable colony.
The important position of Brimstone Hill during this time was recognized by the USA. They encouraged France to attack the English colonial power and conquer the fort. 1000 defenders were tongue to surrender after a month of siege by 8000 soldiers and continuous artillery fire of 62 cannons. The island was returned a year later to England after the agreement of Paris. The fort was then massively expanded in 15 years. This gave it the nickname "Gibraltar of the West Indies".
When in 1852 the economic interest of the great powers England and France shifted to Asia and Africa, the fort was abandoned together with others in the Caribbean. The buildings and inventory were auctioned off.
According to designs by British army engineers, most of the facility was built by African slaves. The fort is the remains of a large 18th century military complex. The construction of the barracks and other buildings on the steep terrain and the water utilization system are considered exceptional architectural achievements. One of the earliest and best preserved examples of the polygonal form of fortification is the prominent citadel.
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