Fort Johnston, Hellshire

Fort Johnston, located in Hellshire, St. Catherine, sits on top of a hill that is 2.5 kilometers from Fort Clarence. The area was originally inhabited by the Taino people who lived in nearby villages in the areas now occupied by Naggo Head and Great Salt Pond.

Fort Johnston was built around 1870 by Duncan Johnston and designed by royal engineer, Major Nepean. Some of its features include a semi-circular limestone platform, barracks for gun crews, a magazine behind the platform, and a canon site, designed with the intent of defending this section of the island against invasions.

Currently, it is covered in vegetation and partially damaged due to the removal of canons by the Jamaican Defence Force. The fort remains an important reminder of Jamaica’s colonial history, even bearing its name on a street close to the site.