Fort Montagu was built in 1741 on the east coast of New Providence Island in the Bahamas. It was originally a small fortress constructed by the British colonists to defend against possible Spanish invasions. Today, this fortress has become a historical relic and one of the most important attractions in the Bahamas.

Fort Montagu gained fame as the site of the first military action taken by the United States Marine Corps in 1776. Upon learning that the British forces had stored a large quantity of gunpowder on New Providence Island, the Continental Congress ordered General Esek Hopkins to lead the newly formed Marine Corps to the location. However, when General Hopkins and his troops arrived about two kilometers from Fort Montagu, they found that the Bahamian forces had withdrawn to Fort Nassau, as the gunpowder had already been removed by the Bahamian government. In the end, the Marine Corps only managed to bring back 46 cannons and several thousand cannonballs from Fort Montagu to the United States, which served as important supplies for Washington’s army at that time.

Fort Montagu

Reasons to visit: One of the most important relics in the Bahamas

Continent where the attraction is located: North America

Country/Region: Bahamas

Province/State: New Providence Island

City: Nassau