Fort Canning Hill, circa 1949



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This is an elevated view of Fort Canning Hill with the white Fort Canning Lighthouse on the left. The lighthouse ceased operations in 1958 when a new lighthouse was installed on the roof of Fullerton Building. Prior to 1822, Fort Canning Hill was known as "Bukit Larangan" or "Forbidden Hill". It became Government Hill when a residence (later known as "Government House") was built for Sir Stamford Raffles in November 1822. In 1859, the Government House was demolished and the hill was converted into a fort by the British. Completed in 1861, it was named Fort Canning after Viscount Charles John Canning, Governor-General and Viceroy of India (1856-1862). The fort was demolished in 1907. In 1972, the greenery surrounding Fort Canning and King George V Park became Central Park. It was renamed "Fort Canning Park" with the planting of a fruit tree by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, on 1 November 1981. Title devised by Library staff.