From Ancient Times To Today

When you think of a military base, you probably think of high-tech command centers, not ancient stone walls! Yet, scattered across the globe are fortresses that have stood for centuries and witnessed empires rise and fall. Many have stories that begin with colonial conquests and continue into modern military operations. Each site played a key role in military history and represents some of the oldest known military installations in the world. Let's dive in. 

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1. West Point Military Academy, USA

More than just a university, West Point Military Academy has been the nation's oldest continuously occupied Army post since 1802. Strategically located on the Hudson, it's where Benedict Arnold's betrayal occured and where future Army officers train today.

Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture on Wikimedia

2. Watervliet Arsenal, USA

This installation has been churning out heavy-duty firepower for the U.S. military since 1813. As the oldest active arsenal, it's manufactured large-caliber weapons for every major American war since 1812, all from its Hudson River location.

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3. Fort Santiago, Philippines

In Manila's historic Intramuros district sits Fort Santiago, first built by the Spanish in 1571. This preserved military site has been used by Spanish, American, and Japanese forces and famously imprisoned national hero José Rizal before his execution.

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4. Fort Monroe, USA

Constructed in 1823, Fort Monroe earned the name "Freedom's Fortress" during the Civil War. Though decommissioned in 2011, this National Historic Landmark once hosted famous figures like Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis on its storied grounds.

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5. Castillo San Felipe Del Morro, Puerto Rico

Castillo San Felipe del Morro was established in 1539 to protect San Juan from naval invasions. It served Spanish, U.S., and Puerto Rican forces and now stands as a National Historic Site, retaining its original military barracks.

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6. Royal Citadel, Plymouth, UK

Built atop earlier Tudor fortifications, the historic base has been used by British forces for over 360 years and now serves as the home of the 29 Commando Regiment. Overlooking Plymouth Sound, the Royal Citadel has guarded England's southern coast since the 1660s.

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7. Citadel Of Cairo, Egypt

To defend against the Crusaders, Saladin constructed the Citadel of Cairo way back in 1176. This massive fortress served as Egypt's military headquarters for centuries under the Ottomans and now stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with military museums.

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8. Fortaleza Ozama, Dominican Republic

Behold the oldest European fortress in the Americas: Fortaleza Ozama, established by Spanish conquistadors in 1502. Guarding Santo Domingo's harbor, it was used by French and Dominican forces and remains a major historical monument today.

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9. Fort Saint Elmo, Malta

A star of the Great Siege of 1565, Fort Saint Elmo was built in 1552 by the Knights of St. John. After centuries of strategic importance and British use until 1979, it now houses Malta's fascinating War Museum.

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10. Fort Saint-Jean, Canada

This Quebec fort on the Richelieu River has a layered history, established by the French in 1666. Fort Saint-Jean played a role in the American Revolutionary War and, after British takeover, eventually became a key Canadian military college site.

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11. Fort Zeelandia, Suriname

The fort's history began with the French in 1640, but the Dutch captured it in 1667. It served defense and administrative roles on the Suriname River for centuries and is now preserved as a cultural museum and site.

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12. Fort George, Scotland

Located near Inverness, this impressive artillery fortification is not just a preserved historic site but is still used by the British Army today. Following the Jacobite uprising, Fort George was completed in 1769 specifically to suppress Highland rebellions.

Nilfanion on Wikimedia

13. Fort Amsterdam, Ghana

On Ghana's coast sits Fort Amsterdam, constructed by the English in 1638 before being captured by the Dutch. A hub for trade and military operations, it was later occupied by British forces and is now a protected UNESCO heritage site.

akonuatta on Wikimedia

14. Fort San Lorenzo, Panama

Fort San Lorenzo, commissioned in 1597, was built to defend Spanish trade routes against pirates. Overlooking the Chagres River, the Panamanian fort was used by both Spanish and U.S. forces and remains a historic site.

Ivo Kruusamägi on Wikimedia

15. Fort Ticonderoga, USA

With a past involving the French, British, and Americans, this fort is a Revolutionary War icon. Constructed in 1755, it played a key role in the conflict and is now a New York museum with restored barracks and artillery.

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16. Fort William, India

After a long history in colonial military operations, the base—with its classic architecture—remains an active headquarters for the Indian Army's Eastern Command. Standing in Kolkata since 1696, Fort William was built by the British East India Company. 

William Wood (fl. 1827–1833) on Wikimedia

17. Fort San Pedro, Philippines

Fort San Pedro was constructed in 1565, making it the Philippines’ oldest triangular bastion fort. Established by Spanish conquistadors in Cebu City, it served Spanish and Filipino forces before becoming the historical park it is today.

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18. Fort San Felipe, Mexico

To defend Bacalar from pirates, the Spanish constructed Fort San Felipe between 1725 and 1733. Situated on Lake Bacalar, it was used by both Spanish and Mexican forces and is now a museum featuring its original cannons and walls.

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19. Fort Nassau, Bahamas

The British built Fort Nassau in 1697 to defend the harbor, when pirates were a problem in the Bahamas. After playing a role in the American Revolutionary War, it was decommissioned and now stands as a historic downtown landmark.

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20. Fort Sill, USA

Originally founded in 1869 during the Indian Wars, Fort Sill evolved into a major artillery training center. It trained soldiers for both World Wars, is home to an airfield, and remains a hub for advanced U.S. Army military research.

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