Fort Oranje (Sint Eustatius)
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Fort Oranje is a historic fortress located in Sint Eustatius in the Dutch Caribbean. It is located in Oranjestad, the island's capital, on a cliff overlooking Oranje Bay.[1] It was named after the House of Oranje, the royal family of the Netherlands.[2]
Quick Facts Coordinates, Type ...
Fort Oranje | |
---|---|
Oranjestad, Sint Eustatius | |
Coordinates | 17.4820°N 62.9865°W / 17.4820; -62.9865 |
Type | Fortification |
Site information | |
Open to the public | Yes |
Site history | |
Built | 1636 |
In use | No |
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The fort was built by the Dutch in 1636, at the location of a previous fort built by the French in 1629.[3][4] Its construction was commissioned by the Dutch West India Company.[5][6] Like the island, the fort changed hands several times between the Dutch, English and French.[7] It was rebuilt and renovated several times during the 17th and 18th centuries.[3][4] Today, the fort is one of many protected buildings in Sint Eustatius.