The famous hill which Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders charged up during the Spanish American War is not in Puerto Rico. Most of the walls we see in the forts today were added later, in a period of tremendous construction from the 1760's-1780's. Spanish troops built forts in San Juan beginning in 1539 with a tower at El Morro and La Fortaleza. El Morro was built to defend against sea attackers later San Cristóbal was built to protect against attack on San Juan by land. The trade winds, and wealth of the Caribbean islands in colonial times, made this harbor a target. The easiest course to cross the Atlantic from Europe to the Americas was to go south to the coast of Africa place your ship in the dependable trade winds and sail due west to the Caribbean. San Juan Bay was a sheltered harbor that had high political and military value in the days of sailing ships. Why were the forts of Old San Juan built? At San Cristóbal, enter the main gate, turn right pass the two round structures which protect the wells, and the restrooms are on the right hand side. At El Morro go into the plaza, turn slightly left and look for the water fountain. There are bathrooms in both forts on the same levels as the main entrances. When the great forts were built, this was the flag flown. and Puerto Rican Flags flies the "Cross of Burgundy," a Spanish military flag used from the 16th to the 18th century to identify warships, forts, and regiments of troops loyal to the king of Spain. What is the White flag with the jagged red cross?Īt El Morro and San Cristobal alongside the U.S.
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