The Dominican Republic share the island of Hispaniola, in the Caribbean region, with Haiti. Haiti occupies the western third of the island, and the Dominican has the eastern two-thirds. The nation occupies a relatively small area, measuring approximately 18,704 square miles. Dominican Spanish is the official language, however there are groups of immigrants in residence who speak Haitian Creole. English is taught in schools as a second language.
The history of the Dominican Republic is entwined with indigenous peoples (Arawaks), the Spanish, French and the US. Before 1492 the Arawakan nation had already displaced earlier peoples on the island of Hispaniola. Nevertheless, they made a comfortable life there through farming, fishing, hunting and gathering. When Christopher Columbus arrived it all changed. Spanish colonists made their homes on the island, many of the single sailors taking Arawak women as their wives. As the colony grew, more ships were going back and forth between Spain and Hispaniola. Pirates and privateers took notice, often attacking loaded ships just before they made shore.
The need for protection became apparent, and the Fortaleza San Felipe was constructed. The Spanish erected their fort in the northern area of what is now the Dominican Republic, as it was the perfect location to protect the bustling city of Puerto Plata. The city was important because it was the most frequented sea port, thus King Felipe II of Spain ordered its construction in 1564. It wasn't finished until 1577, but the end result proved to be worth the wait. Fortaleza San Felipe still stands today as a testament to 16th century construction methods.
After the Spanish were ousted from the Dominican Republic by the French, the fort became a tool in the fight against the US during the Quasi War. Although there were clear battles going on, mostly at sea, the conflict was never declared an actual 'war' - thus the name "Quasi War". The largest battle the Fortaleza San Felipe saw was in May of 1800 in the Battle of Puerto Plata Harbor. The American forces completely overwhelmed the French forces.
Fortaleza San Felipe is now a museum dedicated to the history of the Dominican Republic. In 1972 the fortress was renovated and finally reopened in 1983. It showcases military artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as historical documents from the Spanish occupation. Fortaleza San Felipe is a significant monument because it is the only 16th century military building left in the region. Walking the walls of the fortress, one can look out to the Atlantic Ocean and easily envision the onslaught of the Spanish Armada bearing down on would-be pirates. Can you see it?
The history of the Dominican Republic is entwined with indigenous peoples (Arawaks), the Spanish, French and the US. Before 1492 the Arawakan nation had already displaced earlier peoples on the island of Hispaniola. Nevertheless, they made a comfortable life there through farming, fishing, hunting and gathering. When Christopher Columbus arrived it all changed. Spanish colonists made their homes on the island, many of the single sailors taking Arawak women as their wives. As the colony grew, more ships were going back and forth between Spain and Hispaniola. Pirates and privateers took notice, often attacking loaded ships just before they made shore.
The need for protection became apparent, and the Fortaleza San Felipe was constructed. The Spanish erected their fort in the northern area of what is now the Dominican Republic, as it was the perfect location to protect the bustling city of Puerto Plata. The city was important because it was the most frequented sea port, thus King Felipe II of Spain ordered its construction in 1564. It wasn't finished until 1577, but the end result proved to be worth the wait. Fortaleza San Felipe still stands today as a testament to 16th century construction methods.
After the Spanish were ousted from the Dominican Republic by the French, the fort became a tool in the fight against the US during the Quasi War. Although there were clear battles going on, mostly at sea, the conflict was never declared an actual 'war' - thus the name "Quasi War". The largest battle the Fortaleza San Felipe saw was in May of 1800 in the Battle of Puerto Plata Harbor. The American forces completely overwhelmed the French forces.
Fortaleza San Felipe is now a museum dedicated to the history of the Dominican Republic. In 1972 the fortress was renovated and finally reopened in 1983. It showcases military artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as historical documents from the Spanish occupation. Fortaleza San Felipe is a significant monument because it is the only 16th century military building left in the region. Walking the walls of the fortress, one can look out to the Atlantic Ocean and easily envision the onslaught of the Spanish Armada bearing down on would-be pirates. Can you see it?
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