Huwei Fort (New Taipei City Tamsui Historical Museum) Introduction
When it comes to Tamsui historical sites, you might only think of Fort San Domingo, but actually, there is an ancient cannon fort not far from Fort San Domingo, about a 15-minute walk away. This cannon fort, known as Huwei Fort, was built in 1886 under the supervision of Liu Ming-chuan, the first governor of Taiwan. It once served as a military stronghold guarding the Tamsui Harbor. Although the large cannons can no longer be seen, the outer walls and remnants of the cannon platforms still indicate its significant role a century ago. In 1985, it was designated as a national second-level historic site. With its elevated geographical location and solid materials, the grand fort is considered the best military stronghold for warfare and garrisoning in the 19th century, as well as an important naval defense facility for Taiwan's modernization during the Qing Dynasty. Huwei Fort was established after the Qing-French War, when the Qing court decided to enhance Taiwan's coastal defense by constructing ten forts at five harbors: Penghu, Keelung, Tamsui, Anping in Tainan, and Qihou in Kaohsiung. In 1886, Liu Ming-chuan invited German engineer Baron to oversee the construction of these ten western-style forts, with Huwei Fort being one of them. Huwei Fort is located on the first ridge of Wuhugang in Tamsui, at a high elevation, allowing a clear view of the Tamsui River estuary and Guandu Bridge, though now obstructed by trees. Huwei Fort faces south, with the New Taipei City Martyrs' Shrine to the west, Taiwan Golf Association to the east, and Cloud Gate Dance Theatre to the north.
