Fort Waakzaamheid

Fort Waakzaamheid is located in the western Otrabanda neighborhood in Willemstad, on the Caribbean island of Curaçao in the Dutch Antilles. The name Waakzaamheid means 'Alertness.'

The fort is small and was likely built between February and May 1803 to defend the island against a potential French invasion. It was constructed at a crossroads leading into Willemstad. Its rear was protected by another small fort, Fort Wreker, which has since disappeared.

In January 1804, both forts were seized by British troops led by Captain William Bligh (of Bounty fame). The fort's four cannons were aimed at the center of Willemstad and used to bombard its buildings and other forts. One of the cannonballs fired during the attack struck the western wall of the Fortkerk in Fort Amsterdam, and is still embedded there. The siege of Willemstad lasted for 26 days. Later, the British withdrew from the island, and Fort Waakzaamheid returned to Dutch control.

In 1807, the island surrendered to the British. It was returned to the Dutch in 1816, but the fort never again served a military purpose.

During World War II, the Americans installed anti-aircraft guns on the fort’s walls, built barracks, and used it as an observation post.

When I visited, the remains of Fort Waakzaamheid had been repurposed as a restaurant, which has since closed. Today, the structure does not look much like a fort. It appears that only the lower rubble stone walls are original.