On April 24, 2012, I visited Antigua's Fort James while on a shopping trip to St. John's with my awesome hired driver, Daniele Wehner (268-772-0933 or danielew@live.com). Located on a headland on the northwestern end of Antigua at the entrance to the harbor of St. John's, the fort was started in 1703 when St. Johns became larger than Falmouth and Parham to guard the harbor and is one of the many forts built by the British in the 18th century. The fort was completed in 1706. Fear of French invasion is what prompted its construction. A powder magazine, several cannons and the foundation of the fort's wall remain; however, the main attraction today is the excellent view of the surrounding harbor. Although the lawns are kept mowed, sadly the fort itself (the powder magazine, the master gunner's house and the mess) is in ruins, with the remaining buildings open to the elements and in very poor condition. Some are covered in graffiti and others are the victims of fire. You can walk freely around the site and go anywhere; there is no guard or in fact anyone there to look after the place. For this reason, I advise caution as the buildings can be hazardous and you could easily fall through the floor if not careful. Fort James is unique as it is the only fort on the island to still have a full compliment of cannons. The ten old cannons pointing out to sea and over the harbor are still in great shape, much better than the buildings. Each cannon was capable of firing a 24 lb. ball with an 8 lb. charge over one and a half miles in distance. Eleven men were needed to handle each gun; the gun itself weighs two and a half tons. Fort James was never actually engaged in battle, but it must have been a great deterrent to French privateers from Guadeloupe that often raided St. John's shipping at the turn of the 19th century. I was told that Fort James is next in line for National Park status and when funds become available, major restoration work should begin. I hope that is the case, because the history of this site should not be allowed to disappear forever.