Fort San Felipe, also known as Castillo San Felipe del Morro, is over 250 years old. It was built in 1539 by King Charles I of Spain. This massive fortress was meant to protect the Spanish port city from invaders.
Today, it’s a National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every year, over 2 million people visit, making it a top spot in Puerto Rico.
Back in the Age of Sail, El Morro was key in defending Puerto Rico from the British, Dutch, and pirates. Over time, it grew into a strong six-level fort with walls up to 25 feet thick. Its strategic spot and amazing design make Fort San Felipe a key part of Caribbean military history.
The Storied History of Fort San Felipe
Spanish Colonial Rule and Defenses
Fort San Felipe started in 1539 under King Charles V of Spain. It was built to protect the port of San Juan by controlling the harbor entry. Over two centuries, it grew and improved, especially under King Charles III. By 1790, it was one of the strongest Spanish forts in the Americas.
In 1587, a plan for the fort was made by Juan de Tejeda and Juan Bautista Antonelli. They followed Spanish military design rules. This Spanish fortress was key in a network of colonial fortifications protecting Puerto Rico from invaders during the colonial era.
The Spanish West Indies were crucial to the Spanish Empire. Puerto Rico’s strategic location made it important for military defense against other European powers. Forts like El Morro, La Fortaleza, and El Cañuelo formed a strong colonial history system. They kept the island under Spanish colonial rule for centuries.
Architectural Marvels of Fort San Felipe
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, known as El Morro, is a true architectural wonder. It’s the best example of Spanish colonial military engineering and design. The six-level fortress stands 140 feet tall above the Atlantic shoreline. Its walls are up to 25 feet thick, made from limestone, sandstone, and rubble.
The fort has a complex design with a hornwork, half-bastions, and curtain walls. It also has a moat and a drawbridge with a ravelin and guardhouse. Key improvements in the 18th century made it even stronger, adding three big cisterns that could hold 216,000 gallons of water. This shows the amazing skill of its Spanish designers.
In 1983, the Fort San Felipe was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s seen as a key part of Puerto Rico’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors from all over the world come to see its beauty and learn about Caribbean architecture and historic preservation.
The design of Fort San Felipe, with its thick walls and complex layout, shows the military fortification design of the Spanish colonial era. This landmark reminds us of Puerto Rico’s lively past and the lasting impact of Spanish colonial architecture.
Fort San Felipe: A Witness to History
Fort San Felipe has seen many important events and battles over the years. It has faced attacks from Sir Francis Drake in 1595, the English Earl of Cumberland in 1598, and the Dutch in 1625. In 1797, it beat back an invasion by British forces led by General Ralph Abercromby and Admiral Henry Harvey.
The fort’s last fight was in the 1898 Spanish-American War, when the U.S. Navy attacked it. After the war, it became part of Fort Brooke and was used in both World Wars. In 1961, the U.S. Army gave it to the National Park Service to make a museum.
Now, Fort San Felipe is a National Historic Site. It keeps alive the history of Spanish rule and military strength in the Caribbean. The fortress shows the strength and will of Puerto Rico’s people through all the battles and invasions it has seen.
Source Links
- Exploring Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Old San Juan
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro
- Fortaleza San Felipe