It is located on a 68 metres (223 ft)[1][2] high hill overlooking the city of Willemstad and its harbour.

It lost its military function, but was used as a control tower for the Queen Emma Bridge.

[3] In August 1800, French troops from Guadeloupe made a failed attempt to take the fort, and fled from the island on 22 September after an American warship arrived.

[2] In 1804, the British Navy commanded by Charles Brisbane tried to take Curaçao, however they came under attack from the fort, and had to retreat.

[4] Brisbane returned on the dawn of 1 January 1807 while the Dutch troops were sleeping or recovering from New Year's Eve, and managed to take the island.