Pigeon Island, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia — Caribbean Region (Lesser Antilles)
Gunslide
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, April 26, 2015
1. Gunslide Marker
Looking down the canyon you can see the deep bay where Admiral Rodneys ships anchored during the years 1778-1782. The ships were able to lie at anchor in the deep water close to the island, and seamen where employed in hauling cannon and heavy equipment up this gunslide.
A line was run up from the top of the mast to the top of the gunslide on land. The cannon were winched up using anchor winches, and large spars served as tripods to help hoist the heavy guns and carriages up to the emplacements.
Heavy guns were brought from Rodeys disabled line-of-battle ship Fame in April, 1780, and the seamen were given double rations of grog to encourage them on the job!
Look for the platform and the wall at the top with cobblestone where the pulley was operated.
Erected by Saint Lucia National Trust.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Forts and Castles. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1780.
Location. 14° 5.587′ N, 60° 57.891′ W. Marker is on Pigeon Island, Gros Islet. It is on no nearby street. This marker is on Pigeon Island National Landmark, on the path up to Signal Peak. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pigeon Island, Gros Islet LC01 101, Saint Lucia. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is one of the Lesser Antilles on the Caribbean Sea, on in the Atlantic Ocean, in North America, in the Western Hemisphere, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Ridge Battery (was about 150 meters away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, April 26, 2015
2. Wide view of Gunslide Marker
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, April 22, 2018
3. Gunslide Marker
The marker supports have rotted away and the marker has fallen to the ground.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 673 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on April 22, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
