History of Fort St. Jago / Fort Conraadsburg, Elmina (1660s)
A small Portuguese chapel dedicated to Saint Jago, had previously stood where c (also known as Fort Coenraadsburg) now sits on a high hill opposite St. George’s Castle (Elmina Castle), in the Central Region of Ghana. This fort is a good illustration of a people learning from their history.
In 1637, the Dutch installed heavy guns on the hill from where they had barraged the weakest side of Portuguese-controlled St. George’s Castle, forcing its surrender.
In 1637, the Dutch installed heavy guns on the hill from where they had barraged the weakest side of Portuguese-controlled St. George’s Castle, forcing its surrender.
The fort was always well-garrisoned, and was often employed by the Dutch as a prison for European convicts and as a disciplinary institution for their disobedient officers. After 1872, its English owners added some alterations such as a second floor to the main building, which allowed the fort to be put to some civilian uses.
The fort has been, in recent history, used as a prison, hospital and rest house. Currently in fairly good condition, exempt the roof of the old officers mess. Fort Conraadsbourg has been earmarked as an inn and a restaurant.
Fort St Jago`s opening hours are 9:00am to 4:30pm.
The fort has been, in recent history, used as a prison, hospital and rest house. Currently in fairly good condition, exempt the roof of the old officers mess. Fort Conraadsbourg has been earmarked as an inn and a restaurant.
Fort St Jago`s opening hours are 9:00am to 4:30pm.
Advertisement