Fort Napoléon
Upon visiting the island visitors will encounter Fort Napoléon, a museum dedicated to Saintes's history, culture, and environment. It was originally constructed as a fortification before being destroyed by British forces in the 1800s and then rebuilt as a prison.
Fort Napoléon is a fortress located on Terre-de-Haut Island, in Îles des Saintes, Guadeloupe and owned by the Disciplined Council of Guadeloupe. It was designated as a national historic site on December 15, 1997.
The British seized the island of Saintes and a portion of Guadeloupe from 1759 until 1763. As a result, the islands were only restored to France when the Treaty of Paris was signed on February 10, 1763. Not only a front for fierce wars but also terrifying memories of death, in the late seventeenth century, the fortress began to be constructed on the shabby Mire at an altitude of 119 m to sea level for about 2 years from 1777 to 1779. Fort Napoléon was built in a rectangular structure protected by a frame of lime and mortar. It consisted of a barracks for about 45 men and two rainwater tanks along with weapons including two cannons and three mortars aimed at protecting Whale Pass and Terre-de-Haut Road.
After the Treaty of Paris in 1814, Guadeloupe was returned to French possession, Fort Napoléon was rebuilt on the ruins of the old fortress by constructing additional tall surrounding walls and a store of gunpowder. Because of a system that provided a more powerful means of defense, the Civil Affairs Committee of the Ministry of the Navy and Colonies decided to build a real stronghold in 1842.
Napoleon built on more which meant "bluff" from the French Caribbean or also called Mire. Fort Napoléon was originally called Fort Louis. But after being destroyed by British forces in 1809, it was rebuilt in 1867, and named after Napoleon III. However, this fortress was never used in battle but instead served as a prison.
Fort Napoléon has now been altered and converted into a museum devoted to Saintes' history, culture, and ecology. The Jardin Exotique Du Fort Napoléon, a botanical garden specializing in native succulent plants and iguanas, is also located there.
