Ft Amsterdam, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
Posted by: 
LAUGHOK
N 18° 01.200 W 063° 03.400
20Q E 494001 N 1992399
Fort Amsterdam, built in 1631 on a peninsula between Great Bay and Little Bay, was the first Dutch military outpost in the Caribbean.
Waymark Code: WM3Y54
Location: Saint Martin
Date Posted: 06/03/2008
Views: 90
Fort Amsterdam is a historic fort on the island of Saint Martin, near the town of Philipsburg. It was built in 1631 on a peninsula between Great Bay and Little Bay, was the first Dutch military outpost in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, it was soon captured by the Spanish, who made it their most important bastion east of Puerto Rico. The Spanish abandoned the fort in 1648, and since then it has remained in Dutch hands. All military operations ceased in the 19th century, although the fort was used as a signalling and communications station into the 1950s. A few walls of the original bastion remain, and the site provides an outstanding view of modern Philipsburg.
The year the "Fort" was constructed or started.: 1631
Name of "Country" or "Nation" that constructed this "Fort": Dutch
Was this "Fort" involved in any armed conflicts?: I don't know
What was the primary purpose of this "Historic Fort"?: Used for defence of a border or land claim.
Current condition: neglected
This site is administered by ----: St Maarten
If admission is charged -: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Open to the public?: Open or unrestricted access.
Link to web-site that best describes this "Historic Fort": [Web Link]
Official or advertised web-page: Not listed
Link if this "Fort" is registered on your Countries/ State "Registry of Historical Sites or Buildi: Not listed
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