The Fort St George's history is very rich and interesting. This great fort compound was established in the year 1640 by the East India Company and acted as British headquarters and from here they developed the area around Chennai, erstwhile Madras. Chennai used to be a bustling city known for its trading expertise which is why the juggle between foreign trading companies of Dutch, British,  and French provinces was extreme. 

Each one wanted to play over their monopoly cards and to prove the sovereignty against each other, British representatives Francis Day and Andrew Cogan purchased land along the coastline, which is known as Marina Beach today. A fort was constructed hereafter the name of St George, the patron saint of England. The construction finished in 1644 and this site became the center of the oldest province of the British raj, the Madras Presidency. 

The edifice is built in traditional 17th-century British architecture. With a grey granite exterior, this monument is a spectacular sight to see. The museum boasts a rare collection of historical items including handwritten letters of Clive and Cornwallis. The building also acted as the office of Madras Bank. The monument is divided into two sections namely St. Mary’s church and Fort’s museum. The church is the oldest of its kind is also known as the Westminster Abbey of the East. It also happens to be the greatest example of a military architecture marvel. This fort is perhaps the most adored historical monument in Chennai.

• Visit the oldest Anglic church which has hosted the funerals and weddings of many renowned British governors and viceroys, St. Mary’s church, and be a part of its Sunday service. 
• Witness the rare collection of the fort’s museum and travel back in the time of British lords. 
• See the relics of a 150 feet tall teakwood flagstaff that dates back about 3 centuries. 
• A 14.5 feet statue of Lord Cornwallis placed in front of the museum was brought to India from Britain. Engraved with a scene showcasing Tipu Sultan with his 2 sons and the East India Company ambassadors.
• Visit the war memorial made for the soldiers who lost their lives while fighting in World War I. You can also find the cannons used by Tipu Sultan here. 
• The Southern office of the Archaeological Survey of India can also be found within the premises of the fort. 

• It is better to opt for a guide when you visit this fort else you are likely to miss a few important facts regarding this site. 
• Make sure you closely pay attention to signboards to refrain from entering the closed sections of the fort. 
• Carry your own water bottle as drinking water is not available inside the fort. 
• Photography is prohibited inside the premises of the fort. 

This attraction is flocked with tourists all around the year as this site is open for sightseeing anytime. But if you wish to avoid long queues of security checks at the entrance of the building, weekdays are the best recommendation for you then.

• Arignar Anna Zoological Park
• Kishkinta Theme Park
• Dhenupureeswarar Temple, Madambakam, Chennai
• Kundrathur Murugan Temple
• MGR Memorial
• Marina Beach
• Government Museum

• The museum building was formerly the Madras Bank from 1795 until the independence of India. 
• The fortress is the venue of legislative assemblies held by the Tamil Nadu government.
• It is also the seat of the Tamil Nadu State Secretariat and also home to a garrison that used to serve as a source of British power.
• The monument serves as a base for the Indian army today. 
• The first flag flown after the independence of India is preserved in this museum.