[1] In the late 1800s, visits of Russian ships in South Australian waters were of a friendly nature, but the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878 was seen by Britain as part of a potential expansion plan by the Russian Empire into India, and the Australian colonies were advised to upgrade their defence capabilities.

The inadequacy of defences in the colony was seen in 1862, when the Svetlana sailed into Port Phillip and the fort built had no gunpowder for its cannons to use to return a salute.

William Jervois, a Royal Engineer, was commissioned to determine the defence capabilities of all colonies, with the exception of Western Australia.

In his report, he was convinced that the Russian Empire would attack South Australian shipping in an attempt to destroy the local economy.

As of 2016[update], the Fort Largs site survives in slightly modified condition from its original state.

[13] In June 2016, Renewal SA announced AVJennings as its preferred tenderer for the redevelopment of part of the site for about 250 homes, with the heritage-listed barracks to be converted to apartments, the drill hall to be retained as a community facility, and the historic fort to be owned and operated by the National Trust of SA.