MacIntosh Forts


The MacIntosh Forts are a group of seven observation posts built in Hong Kong between 1949 and 1953 at the border with China, to safeguard the border against illegal immigrants, when there was an influx of refugees from China due to political instability. The Forts were named after Hong Kong Police Commissioner Duncan William MacIntosh who decided to build a chain of observation posts guarded day and night. They have been listed as Grade II historic buildings since 1997.

Description

The MacIntosh Forts were built along the Sham Chun River when an influx of Chinese refugees was followed by border incidents of armed clashes between the police and refugees. Amongst the refugees were the defeated remnants of the Kuomintang Nationalist armies and also a "fair number of common criminals". The Forts were built in reinforced concrete of the same style and of very similar design, which may be categorized as Modern Utilitarian. Built on hilltops at strategic spots, with a view across the border, they were dubbed the Macintosh Cathedrals because of their distinctive appearance and outline against the skyline. Six out of the seven Forts are now remotely controlled. They are not open to public.

List

The seven observation posts are located in a chain, covering most parts of the land frontier. They are from east to west:
LocationNotes/ReferencesPhotographs
Pak Kung Au, Sha Tau Kok, North DistrictThe second highest among the 7 Forts, with 722 steps to reach it.
Kong Shan, Lin Ma Hang, North DistrictThe highest among the 7 Forts, with 917 steps leading up to it. It cannot be controlled remotely and a police constable is still deployed on it every night. Its elevation is over 700 feet above sea level.
Pak Fu Shan, Lin Ma Hang, North DistrictThis fort, together with three nearby pillboxes and the Pak Fa Shan Operation Base, formed part of the border defence system.
Nga Yiu, Ta Kwu Ling, North DistrictIt is located near Lo Shue Ling.
Nam Hang, Ta Kwu Ling, North DistrictIt is located near Lo Wu.
Ma Tso Lung, Lok Ma Chau, North DistrictOne of the two forts not located within the Frontier Closed Area. It is near to Ma Tso Lung.
Pak Hok Chau, Mai Po, Yuen Long DistrictOne of the two forts not located within the Frontier Closed Area. It is near to Mai Po Nature Reserve and has played an important role in intercepting illegal immigrants coming from the Deep Bay.