Fort St. George
The firs British Fort in India, Fort St. George built in the Madras coastal city is one the most significant monuments in Chennai city. British East India Company after purchasing a strip of land from a Vijaynagar Chieftain founded a fort and gradually a city namely George Town was evolved around the fort. The construction of the fort was completed on a St. George’s Day which is celebrated in respect of St. George, a saint of England.
The fort, the hub of British trading was covered by 6 meter high wall which witnessed several attacks. The French colonizers got command over it from 1746 to 1749 though it was come into British hand later.
Fort St. George is now the administrative hub of the Tamil Nadu State Government and still it houses a military troop of Indian Government. There are some sightseeing attraction inside the fort such as the St, Mary Church, Museum, and Wellesley House.St.Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India was constructed in 1678-80 AD. It still shines with glory, its glass windows, wall frescos, teak plaques will wonder one’s eye sure. Another attraction is the 150 feet towering Flagstaff made of teakwood.
The Museum of the Fort St George houses the relics of the British and some photographs of the British personalities. The upper stair was once used for public meetings, entertainment purposes. The artifacts preserved in the museum are as coins, medals, paintings, letters, etc of the colonial period. A 14.5 ft tall statue of Lord Cornwallis is seen here in front of the museum which is said to be brought from Britain.
