Barbados Historical Site - Gun Hill Signal Station

Gun Hill Signal Station sits in the center of Barbados in the parish of St. George, this historical landmark provides locals and tourist alike magnificent and captivating views of the entire island. Guests are first greeted by the beautifully landscaped and maintained gardens, lush with tropical flowers of every colour and a wide variety of Barbados’ national Flower “The Pride of Barbados.”

Take the path through the garden pass historic lamps and relaxing garden benches, once at the top behold the panoramic views from the watch tower. The wrap-around balcony at the base of the station offers a plethora of views up and down the coasts of Barbados. To the south-west you'll see the capital city Bridgetown, to enjoy the full views to the north and east guests can climb to the signal tower for a bird’s eye view of the island.

A Little History on Gun Hill Signal Station

Gun Hill is the finest of a series of signal stations built in 1818. These stations sighted ships approaching Barbados and signaled to each other, advising of the type of vessel and whether it was a friend or foe! In cases of attack, the forts and soldiers could be quickly readied to defend the island.

In the signal tower a chart shows the detailed information which could be relayed with the use of a few flags. The signal stations were also used to warn of slave rebellions on the island. At the foot of signal station is a magnificent lion statue which was carved out of a single piece of rock in 1868 by an officer at the signal station, a must see while visiting Gun Hill.