European powers fought 22 battles to gain control of the small island of Statia and that's probably why St. Eustatius has more historic ruins per square mile than any other Caribbean island. Almost two dozen fortresses and batteries were built during the 17th and 19th centuries and although most are in ruins, some of are still in pretty good shape. Most of these were built along the western coastline, while Fort Amsterdam, Battery St. Louis and a stronghold at Venus Bay protected the Atlantic side.