Overview
Fort Beekenburg was built in 1703 at Caracasbay to defend the Spanish Water. The Caracasbay and Spanish Water were one of the few places which allowed for easy access from the sea to go on land. For this reason, it was decided to build a fort, so the enemies could not reach Willemstad. The Fort is named after Mr. van Beek who coordinated the defense of the town between 1701 and 1704. The Fort endured several attacks by the French, English and pirates, but always stood its ground. The fort has a round tower and there was an irrigation system in place leading rainwater to a reservoir, so the soldiers would have fresh drinking water. Many canons are still to be seen today.