The Old Fort of Fort William

The Old Fort of Fort William represents a pivotal chapter in Scottish Highland history. Originally built as a wooden citadel in 1654 by General George Monck, it was replaced with stone fortifications in 1690 under General Hugh MacKay, then further strengthened by General Wade in 1725 with walls reaching 20 feet high. The fort was strategically positioned at the mouth of Loch Linnhe and named after King William III, establishing a settlement that relied on the fort for both protection and trade. Though demolished in 1890 to accommodate railway expansion, its historical legacy remains preserved through exhibits in the nearby West Highland Museum, documenting this crucial military and civilian settlement.