Cabrits is an extinct volcano that was once its own island, separate from mainland Dominica. It was connected to Dominica by the sweeping in of material from Douglas Bay and Prince Rupert Bay.
The word Cabrits is derived from "goat" in Spanish, French and Portuguese, and is a reference to the animal that has been indigenous to Cabrits. Goats were introduced to the island by sailors, who set them free on the island to grow, so that there would be meat available when they returned.
Cabrits is the last stop on the Waitukubuli Trail which originates in the southern village of Scott's Head. Segment 14 of the trail runs from Capuchin to Cabrits.
Fort Shirley was formerly a military outpost, a sterling example of its kind in the West Indies. The British built it in the 18th century garrison to defend north Dominica. It consisted of over 50 buildings, and housed over 600 men. It was later abandoned in 1854, and after suffering for years, Dr. Lennox Honychurch began restoration in 1989. Several of the buildings are completely restored, while ruins of the rest can be found scattered around the peninsula.
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