CAPE FORTIFICATIONS

In colonial times, some forty forts or batteries were established on the North Coast, and the defense of the French Cap was carefully protected. Tall tonnages could only enter the bay between Picolet Point and Grand Mouton reefs. In 1739, Fort Picolet was built, composed of two superimposed batteries, a round road and a wall along the coast. The Leclerc expedition verified efficiency at its expense, the fort was then commissioned by General Henri Christophe. Part of the enclosure wall was destroyed during the explosion of the powder keg (16 rainstorms, year X). The vessels of the tonnages were placed under the fire of Fort Saint-Joseph (1748) and the Gray-Gris battery where one can still see some mortars of the eighteenth century. General Magny was buried there, and the fort bears his name.

Today, only the Fort Picolet has survived the assaults of time quite well. To get there, we will follow the boulevard du Bord-de-Mer beyond Carénage. The road is then narrower, and after the few vestiges of Pauline Bonaparte-Leclerc's remains, the remains of Fort Magny and Fort Joseph will successively pass before arriving at Fort Picolet. This seaside ride of about 1:30 a. m. round trip is quite pleasant and more instructive with a guide.