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.

Legacy

In 1798, Fort Zoutman was built in his name at Oranjestad and is the oldest Dutch structure on the island of Aruba. The 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.