MacIntosh Forts

The MacIntosh Forts are a group of seven observation posts built in Hong Kong between 1949 and 1953 at the border with China, to safeguard the border against illegal immigrants, when there was an influx of refugees from China due to political instability.

[1] The Forts were named after Hong Kong Police Commissioner Duncan Macintosh (in office 1946–1953) who decided to build a chain of observation posts guarded day and night.

[2] Amongst the refugees were the defeated remnants of the Kuomintang Nationalist armies and also a "fair number of common criminals".

[3] The Forts were built in reinforced concrete of the same style and of very similar design, which may be categorised as Modern Utilitarian.

[2] Built on hilltops at strategic spots, with a view across the border, they were dubbed the Macintosh Cathedrals because of their distinctive appearance and outline against the skyline.