At the tip of a 10-mile (16 km) strip of land called the Palisadoes, Port Royal became the focus of British fortification efforts soon after their takeover in 1655. Construction of Fort Charles began in 1656, and within a few years there were five more forts manned by more than 2,500 soldiers. Port Royal also became headquarters for buccaneers and privateers who preyed on Spanish ships throughout the Caribbean. This era brought Port Royal great wealth and a reputation as one of the wickedest cities in the world. Learn More...