By William Hodges - https://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/other/019xzz000000307u00028000.htmlhttp://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00routesdata/1600_1699/calcutta/chinsura/chinsura.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19914288
Fort Gustavus at Chinsurah was a historic fortification established by the Swedish East India Company in the late 17th century in Chinsurah, West Bengal, India. Named after King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, the fort played a significant role in the colonial history of the region. Strategically located on the banks of the Hooghly River, it served as a key trading post and military stronghold for the Swedish East India Company in their competition with other European powers for dominance in the Indian subcontinent.
The fortification at Chinsurah consisted of sturdy ramparts, bastions, and a commanding position overlooking the river, providing a formidable defense against potential attacks. It also served as a center for trade, with warehouses storing goods such as spices, textiles, and other commodities from both local and international markets. The presence of Fort Gustavus contributed to the economic prosperity of Chinsurah and facilitated cultural exchange between European settlers and the indigenous population.
Over time, as colonial powers shifted in the region, Fort Gustavus changed hands several times, eventually falling under British control in the 18th century. Today, while much of the original fort has deteriorated, some remnants and archaeological traces remain, serving as a reminder of the area's colonial past. Fort Gustavus at Chinsurah stands as a testament to the complex interplay of trade, politics, and power struggles that characterized the colonial era in India.
----- N 44 19.842 W 093 58.560
One of the oldest roads in the state, Fort Road was originally built by the federal government after Fort Ridgely was completed in 1853-54. Supplies were shipped from Fort Snelling to Traverse des Sioux, then transported by wagon to Fort Ridgely.
Nicollet County Road 5 runs more than 42 miles from its eastern terminus at its intersection with US Highway 169 in St Peter to the Renville County line. Old Fort Road presumably extended from Traverse des Sioux, although the portion running through the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College has been blocked off. Fort Road as an address runs from the western edge of St Peter to the end of CR-5.
In an ideal world, a paved trail would have been installed when the road was refurbished in the early 2010s. This planned geocache trail will have to suffice, but won’t alleviate my anxiety when biking here.