Fort St. George
The first English fortress in India, built in 1644, now housing the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and a museum.
History
Fort St. George was founded in 1644 by the British East India Company under Francis Day and Andrew Cogan. It served as the nucleus from which the city of Madras (now Chennai) grew. The fort has witnessed numerous sieges, including attacks by the French during the Carnatic Wars. Today it houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, the Secretariat, and the Fort Museum, which contains a rich collection of colonial-era artifacts including letters from Robert Clive and Cornwallis.
Architecture
The fort spans approximately 20 acres and is surrounded by massive granite walls. Within the complex, St. Mary's Church (consecrated in 1680) is the oldest surviving Anglican church in Asia. The Fort Museum building is a classic colonial structure with thick walls, arched doorways, and a clock tower. Flagstaff mounted on the tallest tower stands at 46 metres.
Visiting Information
Located in George Town, the fort is accessible by bus and the Chennai Beach MRTS station. The Fort Museum displays coins, weapons, medals, and documents from the colonial era. Photography is restricted in some areas.