Fort Teremba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Teremba |
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| Part of New Caledonia | |
| Moindou, New Caledonia | |
View from the top of the fort
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 Location Map of Fort Teremba opposite to Teremba Bay
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 Fort Teremba
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| Coordinates | 21°43′43″S 165°42′56″E / 21.7286°S 165.7156°E |
| Type | Fort and Prison |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Restored |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1871 |
| In use | Yes |
| Materials | Stones and Bricks |
| Demolished | No |
| Events | Revolt of 1878 |
Fort Teremba is an old fort and prison in New Caledonia. It's near a town called Moindou. This fort was built to hold prisoners and the people who watched over them. Prisoners helped build roads in the area. The fort looks out over Teremba Bay, about 124 kilometers north of Noumea.
It became stronger after a big event in 1878. Local Kanak people protested against French rule and surrounded the prison. The fort was closed in 1898.
Contents
Building Fort Teremba: A Look at Its Early Days
The building of Fort Teremba started in 1871. Governor Eugène Gaultier de la Richerie asked for it to be built. Twenty-five prisoners, two supervisors, and three police officers were sent to start the work. Prisoners did most of the building.
The camp was later named Fort Teremba. This name came from Teremba Island, which is in the middle of the bay. A small town grew around the fort. It had a church, a school, a post office, and a market. Women prisoners were kept at a different prison. This prison was at Fonwhary, about 6 kilometers away.
At one time, the prison held 200 prisoners. They lived in simple shacks outside the fort walls. These prisoners worked on building roads, bridges, and other structures.
Fort Teremba and the 1878 Events
An important event happened in 1878. Local people in the area protested against French rule. Some police officers inside the fort were killed. The protest spread further south.
However, the fort itself was never captured. It stayed in good condition during this time. After the 1878 events, the fort was made even stronger. It was designed to be a safe place and a refuge.
In 1885, the prison administration took control of the fort. But by 1897–98, the fort was no longer used. This was because the system of sending prisoners there ended.
Restoring Fort Teremba: A Historical Landmark Today
By 1906, Fort Teremba was in bad shape. It had been left uncared for a long time. People described it as looking "grim and grotesque."
However, a local group called Association Marguerite helped. They started to restore the fort in 1984. They created a "Heritage Interpretation Center" there. The local government bought the site in 1987.
The main building was rebuilt. It now has an exhibition about the fort's history. You can see the watchtower and a tall stone wall. The circular tower offers great views of Teremba Bay. You can reach the fort from the RT1 road. It's about 14 kilometers west of La Foa.
In 1989, Fort Teremba was officially named a historical monument. Every year, a special light and sound show takes place. It shows scenes from life at the fort in the past. About 180 artists act out historical figures. The show ends with a big fireworks display.
Images for kids
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Barracks in Fort Teremba
See also
In Spanish: Fort Teremba para niños
