Johan Zoutman

Schout-bij-nacht Johan Arnold Zoutman was a Dutch [States Navy] officer, politician and surveyor who served in the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War. He is best known for commanding the Dutch fleet at the 1781 Battle of [Dogger Bank (1781)|Battle of Dogger Bank].

Legacy

In 1798, Fort Zoutman was built in his name at Oranjestad and is the oldest Dutch structure on the island of Aruba. The William [III of the Netherlands|Willem III] Tower was built at the west entrance of the fort in 1868 and has functioned as a clock tower, lighthouse and a station for the Aruba Police Force. The fort now houses the Aruba Historical Museum.