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Citadel is the show piece of the Fortress. Built between 1789
and the late 1790's, it is a very early example (and one of
the finest surviving structures of its type anywhere) of a new
defensive style called Polygonal Fortification. A ramp leads
to the western Place of Arms where 3 sentinel 24-pounder cannon
over - look the Caribbean sea, with breathtaking views of mountains,
cultivated fields below, the town of Sandy Point and the Dutch
island of St. Eustatius ( and four other islands on clear days
). A bridge over a dry moat gives access to Fort George.
In
restored barrack rooms surrounding a central courtyard, displayed
artefacts, paintings and other objects comprise a Museum which
presents and interprets the history of the Fortress and of
the island, and their connections to Caribbean and World History.
Rain water drains into a cistern beneath the stone floor of
one of the large rooms. With a capacity of 30,000 gallons,
it is the main source of water for the National Park.
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