16th-Century Fort Crumbles in Puerto Rico

Readers seek help for preservation emergencies / May 22, 2007

Dear Preservation 911,

A deteriorated part of the Fort of San Miguel Arcangel (Manuel Santiago)

I am writing to express my concerns about the destruction of historical site in the city of Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

The site, which as of today is not listed in the National Register or at local level, is the Polvorin de San Miguel Arcangel (polvorin is a powderhouse) built by the Spanish at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century as part of the city of Arecibo's defensive system.

The structure was part of the Fort of San Miguel Arcangel, located at the edge of the peninsula where Arecibo is located and at the entrance of the mouth of the Rio Grande de Arecibo. The construction of these two military structures (the fort and the powderhouse) was a result of battle in 1702 when a British fleet tried to invade the city and local militia in charge of Captain Antonio de Los Reyes Correa defeated it. The colonial government decided to build these buildings as a protective measurement against any future attacks of foreign powers.

Subsequently, the old Fort deteriorated and in 1881 was demolished by local authorities. In its place they built a square, "Paseo de Damas." The powderhouse, which is owned by the municipal government, was eventually abandoned and now is a parking lot. There are still good remains of the main structure and remnants of its surrounding wall. Unfortunately it is filled with garbage and has had no maintenance.

Without action, Arecibo will lose one of the few military structures outside the Old San Juan; the others being el Fuerte del Canuelo or San Juan de la Cruz (Cataño), el Fuerte de la Concepcion (Aguadilla) y el Fortin del Conde de Marisol (Vieques).

It is my hope that this military structure is protected for future organizations. Please let me know if there is something you can do to help.

Sincerely,

Manuel Santiago