Whelk Point Fort facts for kids

Part of the remains of the barracks of the Whelk Point Fort

The Whelk Point Fort was an old fort built a long time ago. It was located on the southeast side of Tortola, which is one of the British Virgin Islands. Over time, the fort became old and broken down. Not much of it is left today. In 1992, a house was built where the fort used to be. But you can still see parts of the old army buildings, called barracks, behind the house. These ruins are on private land, so people usually can't visit them.

Why Was Whelk Point Fort Built?

The British built this main fort when the American War of Independence started. They wanted to protect important places.

Protecting Paraquita Bay

First, the fort looked over a narrow entrance to Paraquita Bay. This bay is one of the biggest natural harbours in the British Virgin Islands. It was also the main way to get to a large farming area on Tortola. The entrance to Paraquita Bay is very tricky to sail through. Imagine trying to get a big sailboat into that narrow gap with strong winds and waves, all while being shot at from the fort just 100 meters away! It would have been almost impossible.

Guarding Hodge's Creek

Second, Whelk Point Fort worked with another fort called Fort Shirley. Together, they protected a settlement that was located in what is now known as Hodge's Creek. For a long time, this was the most important settlement on Tortola. This was especially true when the main government of the islands was in Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda.

Did the Fort Ever Fight?

Even though it was built for protection, the Whelk Point Fort never actually fired its guns in a real battle while the British were in charge.

What Happened to the Fort?

Over time, the fort fell apart again. In 1966, a couple named Neville and his wife bought the land. They built their home next to the fort. Later, that house was taken down. A new house was built in 1992 right over where the fort's foundations used to be.

Images for kids

• 

  The eastern edge of the ruins

• 

  The outline of the original barracks

• 

  One of the few remaining walls

• 

  The house which was built over the original fort