The Fort stands as a symbol of the British Raj, amid state offices, facing the sea in the east of the city, just south of George Town. It is the first British fort build around1653 by the British East India Company. The structure of the fort is a fine example of 17th century British military architecture, and was mostly built in 1966. It has a 20 feet thick wall. The country's tallest flagstaff is here, thought to be over 300 years old. The 24 black Charnockite pillars are those reclaimed by the British in 1762 of the original 32 which once formed the colonade of the present Secretariat building.

Within the fort, a number of other early buildings still stand of which St. Mary's Church is the most interesting. It was consecrated in 1680 and is the oldest Protestant Church in the East. The church contains several antiquities, not the least being the oldest British tombstones in India and memories of weddings in which Clive and Elihu Yale, benefactor of America's Yale University, Arthur

Wellesley who became Wellington and Warren Hastings were present for weddings held here. Opposite the Church is the Pay accounts office. It was formerly Robert Clive's house commemorates the Empire-builder who first learnt his trade here. It is open to the public.

Other buildings of importance in the Fort are the Old Government House, the Banqueting Hall (now called Rajaji Hall) built by Goldingham for the Governor's official entertainment during the Clive period. The foundations of Indian Army and Civil Service, the land survey by Colin Mackenize, and the archaeological, botanical and zoological surveys were all laid at Fort. St.George. The Fort has a museum contains some fascinating items. Now Fort St. George  houses Tamilnadu Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly. The best time to visit is on a Sunday.

Contact :
Fort St.George
Chennai - 600009
Phone : +91-44-2567 1127