Dow's Hill Fortification

Dow's Hill fortifications were built in 1789 to protect the ridge above the Dockyard from a land attack. The stone wall style was designed by the Royal Engineers to dazzle and overwhelm an attacking army by making the fortress appear larger than it actually was.

At the top of the hill, Archibald Dow's house was part of the fortification. In 1771, Archibald Dow was appointed as the Dockyard Storekeeper, a civilian position, and he remained on the hill until his land was taken over by the Royal Engineers. Dow received £8,354.0.8 in compensation, and the fortification was named after him. The engineers kept the structure and turned it into a senior officer's residence. However, by the 1840s, it had become the Governor of the Leeward Islands' country seat. The building was destroyed by an earthquake in 1843, costing Governor Fitzroy over £1,000 in furnishings and personal effects. This earthquake put a stop to the fortification's full-time occupation.

The International Development Agency of Canada (CIDA) awarded the Park $11 million EC in 1989 to construct the Interpretation Centre, which included the construction of the historic sound and light spectacular at Dow's Hill. Dow's Hill was opened up for visitation and activities as a result of the development, which allowed the Park to better accommodate more guests. Experiencing the ravages of history, Fort Dow's Hill still retains its intact features and still has a few historical remnants, which is the old, classic beauty. That beauty is still preserved to this day, so today, Fort Dow's Hill is considered as one of the most beautiful historical sites in Antigua and Barbuda.

Location: English Harbour.