Acapulco's San Diego Fort Offers Historical, Interesting Experience

What is the significance behind Acapulco's San Diego Fort?  It all started when Francisco Chico discovered the island on captain-sponsored an expedition in 1521. Then in 1523 Juan Villafuerte led an expedition and arrived at Zihuatanejo when he then built the first shipyard of what was to be New Spain. He arrived at Acapulco and formally took over the land, proclaiming in the name of King of Spain, and securing his cross and staff into the sand with the appropriate banner. (You probably don't remember it, oh well)

By 1532, Acapulco was granted a royal favor and was called the City of the Kings. Eventually, Acapulco became a reliable port for transporting ships for commercial courses from Asia. Acapulco was then used heavily in trade, starting the Manila-Acapulco Galleon movement, which then let to a merchant fair where traders bargained for gifts like spices, silks and ivory.

However, all of this treasure attracted unwanted attention from Pirates, both English Pirates and Netherlands Pirates. (That's when you know you're in trouble) These Pirates of the Caribbean sailed and in 1579 English Privateeer Francis Drake attacked the coast of Acapulco but did not capture the treasure. However, in 1587 Thomas Cavendish seized Santa Anna and ended up taking most of the treasure left over. 

More trouble came when Dutch armies tried to invade Acapulco in 1615. The Spaniards then decided to rebuild their fort in defense against these treasure seeking attackers and raised up the Fort San Diego in 1617. The fort was then destroyed in 1776 by an earthquake, only to be rebuilt again seven years later. The Mexican War of Independence then took place, putting an unceremonious end to the Manila-Acapulco deal. 

Long after the San Diego Fort wore out its usefulness however, it still remained a fascinating landmark of times passed. No one ever saw the need to tear the wall down; they simply found different uses for it. As recently as 1986, people in Acapulco have been finding other uses for this monument, such as dedicating it to the headquarters of the Acapulco Historical Museum.

The Fort of San Diego has been called the most relevant historic monument in the city. It is still located in the heart Acapulco, downtown, where it is clearly seen from a distance given its unique design, like a five-edged star. It now holds inside of it the Acapulco Historical Museum, which is filled with many unique sculptures and figurines of forgotten artwork and artifacts. This is one of the many unique attractions that can be found in Acapulco de Juarez, the Paradise of the Americas, and one of the greatest attractions anywhere in the world! Acapulco is now a highly popular resort city for tourists and a major seaport for business. Funny how things haven't changed too much — people still see treasure in Acapulco and see this little city as the perfect place to ship things to and from overseas. At least now the city has the worldwide respect it always deserved!