Agüi Fort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Agüi Fort |
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| Alternative names | Ahui Fort |
| General information | |
| Country | Chile |
| Coordinates | 41°49′46″S 73°51′18″W / 41.829477°S 73.855132°W |
| Construction started | 1776 |
| Completed | 1779 |
The Agüi Fort (Spanish: Fuerte Agüi), sometimes called Agui or Ahui, is also known as San Miguel de Agüi Castle. It is an old military building found on the Lacuy peninsula in Chile. This fort was built to protect the nearby city of Ancud and the southern coast of the Chacao Channel.
Contents
History of Agüi Fort
Why the Fort Was Built
The main job of Agüi Fort was to defend the city of Ancud. It also protected the southern coast of the Chacao Channel. The fort was important for keeping ships safe as they traveled between the island of Chiloe and mainland Chile.
Building the Fort
Construction of the fort began in 1776 and finished in 1779. The plans for the fort were made by a Spanish engineer named Miguel de Zorrilla. In 1818, the fort's walls were made stronger using a special type of stone called cancagua. This stone was taken from a quarry near Ancud.
During Chile's Independence
The fort played a role during Chile's fight for independence. The Chilean army attacked the fort in 1820 and again in 1824. In 1826, forces led by Alexander Cochrane finally took control of the fort. After this, the fort was given to the Chilean Navy.
Later Years and Restoration
In 1960, a very strong earthquake, known as the 1960 Valdivia earthquake, damaged the fort. Years later, in 1991, Agüi Fort was officially declared a national monument. This means it is a very important historical site.
In 2012, parts of the fort were repaired and updated. This work was paid for by the Inter-American Development Bank and a government office. The main goals of this project were to save the fort's history and culture. It also aimed to encourage more people to visit the island of Chiloe. In 2016, the people who worked on the fort's restoration even won an award for their efforts.
What Agüi Fort Looks Like
Key Parts of the Fort
Agüi Fort has several important parts. It includes a dungeon, which was a prison, and a powder magazine, where gunpowder was stored. The main entrance was built using cancagua stone.
Defenses and Features
The fort was well-equipped for defense. It had 12 cannons ready to protect the area. Inside the fort, there are also 15 pieces of artwork. The entire fort is surrounded by a strong walled circuit.
See also
In Spanish: Fuerte Agüi para niños
