The fort was named for Colonel Pearson under whose orders it was built. It was placed in an ideal site on the south bank of the Thukela River with panoramic views into Zululand and overlooking the original wagon drift which was used by the first settlers and would be used by British forces in the Zulu wars.

The earthworks surrounding the tented camp are still visible today and there is a memorial to those who died at Fort Pearson. Just below the Fort a pont was operated along a steel cable which was attached to the Ultimatum Tree on the south bank and the ship’s anchor on the north bank of the Thukela River.

This anchor, from H.M.S. Tenedos has since been moved to the museum in Eshowe.