Fort Zoutman, Willem III Tower, and Museo Arubano

During the 18th century, pirates menaced Oranjestad's harbor, raiding for horses and anything else of value. To defend the island, the Dutch erected Fort Zoutman in 1796. Aruba's oldest example of Dutch architecture, the bastion stands on what was once the shore (landfill construction in 1930 altered the coastline). In 1867, it gained Willem III Tower, named after the then-reigning Dutch monarch. Over the years, the site has served as an aloe garden, jail, courthouse, junk room, and tax office. The fort was restored in 1974, the tower in 1983. The Museo Arubano displays a few prehistoric Caiquetio artifacts and numerous remnants from the Dutch colonial period. On Tuesday from 7 to 9pm, the museum hosts the Bon Bini Festival, a small touristy fair with some local arts and crafts, homemade food, local music on traditional instruments, and dance, such as tumba and the Aruban waltz. There is a $3 admission fee for the fair.

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