Port Louis

Port Louis, the capital and principal port of the British colony of Mauritius, is situated on an excellent harbour on the north-west coast, and is enclosed by a ring of lofty hills. It is defended by forts (1887-91), is a coaling station of the British navy, and has barracks and military storehouses. There are three graving-docks beside the harbour, through which all the commerce of Mauritius (q.v.) passes. The city contains a Protestant and a Roman Catholic cathedral, a royal college, &c.; but the western part was almost wholly ruined by the hurricane of 29th April 1892. Pop. 61,170.