Fort Zeelandia, located on Fort Island in the Essequibo River delta, is one of Guyana’s oldest structures. Originally built in 1743 by the Dutch, it replaced an earlier wooden fort constructed in 1726. The fort was strategically positioned to protect the interests of the Dutch West India Company and the Essequibo colony. Its unique lozenge-shaped design is similar to forts built in West Africa during that era.
The fort played a significant role in the region’s colonial history, serving as a defensive stronghold against pirates, indigenous raids, and rival European powers. It was constructed using bricks made on-site and materials imported from Barbados and the Netherlands, with enslaved Africans providing the labor.
Today, Fort Zeelandia stands as a historical monument, offering a glimpse into Guyana’s Dutch colonial past. It is a popular site for visitors interested in history and architecture
