Boasting merely 300 square kilometers in size, one might doubt the vast offerings of beautiful Tobago. But known largely for its white sand beaches and exotic coral reefs, there's also a lot more to be seen on the little island. Here's a quick preview of some additional sites you can explore, or at least look out for, on your next trip to the sister isle.
Architecture
St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Bacolet Street
In 1816, an Act was passed for the building of this church in Scarborough. The building was completed in 1819 and consecrated by Rev. W.S. Wilson. In 1963, the original building was destroyed by hurricane Flora and the present building was erected on the old foundation. Memorial plaques adorn the walls of the Church and in particular that to Sir William Young, the Governor, who died in 1815.
Speyside Waterwheel, Speyside
This wheel was erected in the late 18th Century or early 19th Century. The waterwheel and related machinery were used to grind sugar and were made in Scotland. With the collapse of the sugar industry in 1887, this and other mills became obsolete. It is now one of the many reminders of Tobago's past.
Monuments
Couronian Monument, Plymouth
This monument represents 'freedom' and it was built to honour the early settlers to Plymouth who came from Courland (modern day Latvia). The monument was designed and built by one of our national artists. It was unveiled in 1976 during a cultural visit by Courlanders in exile from various parts of the world.
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Gun Bridge, Bacolet Street
Originally built to accommodate one vehicle at a time, it was widened in the 1950s by the Works Division. Four cannons were removed from Fort King George and placed at the two ends of the bridge - two north, two south.� Embedded in the stone and concrete sides are the barrels of 19th Century Brown Bees muskets which serve as decorative guard rails.
Forts
The Campbleton Battery, Charlotteville
Perched at the top of an unassuming hill you will find the Cambleton Battery, it should not be confused with the island's many forts. Cambleton is one of many batteries erected around the island; their main purpose was to help protect shipping in the various bays where sugar was loaded. Cambleton was erected in 1777 with a battery of two cannons to help protect the island from American privateers who were raiding the British islands during the American War of Independence.
Lookouts from this point would signal using mirrors if ships were spotted coming from the north. This gave the militia time to get their cannons and artillery ready for battle. Today, the battery offers beautiful views of Man-O-War Bay, Charlotteville and Pirate's Bay. The tiny rocks and islands located just off shore provide an ideal spot for diving adventures.�If you look closely enough into the clear turquoise water, you can even�identify the reef bed and schools of fish.
Fort Bennett, Black Rock
This small, picturesque fort located at the end of a sloping road, hedges a cosy headland. Fort Bennet was reportedly built by the Dutch between 1628 and 1636. Later on, in the 1680's the Courlanders refortified it in order to protect their then flourishing settlement in the Great Courland Bay area. The fort fell into the hands of the British in the 1800's, and was again refortified to protect their claim to Tobago. Archaeologists suggest that the remnant walls can be found under the undulating surface of the fort, an indication of the constant reconstruction that took place in the wake of the numerous battles fought there.
The signature cannons are positioned safely in a recess near the entrance to the grounds, illustrating how the British battery must have looked originally. The turbulent history of the fort stands in stark contrast to the modern day serenity of this spot.�A small gazebo sits on the end of the short winding path and offers shelter from the elements and a panoramic view of the bay.
