Fort Lambert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Lambert |
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| Coquimbo Chile | |
Fuerte de Nacimiento, viewed from the north-east
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 Fort Lambert
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| Coordinates | 29°56′02″S 71°20′09″W / 29.93389°S 71.33583°W |
| Type | Fortress |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
y |
| Condition | restored/rebuilt |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1879 2005 (restoration) |
Fort Lambert (also called Fort Coquimbo) is an old fort built in the 1800s. It sits on "Castillo del Carmen" hill in Coquimbo, Chile. This hill is at the northern end of Coquimbo Bay. The area is known as "Punta Pelícanos" (Pelican Promontory). This is because a small island nearby is home to many pelicans.
Today, Fort Lambert is not used for military purposes. Instead, it is a popular place for tourists to visit. People enjoy the amazing views of Coquimbo Bay from the fort.
History of Fort Lambert
The very first defense on this hill was built in 1865. Two small cannons were placed there. Their job was to protect Coquimbo Bay during the Chincha Islands War with Spain. Later, the mayor ordered these cannons to be removed.
A new and stronger fort was built in the same spot in 1879. A businessman named Carlos J. Lambert built it. He wanted to protect the port of Coquimbo from possible attacks by Peruvian ships. This was during the War of the Pacific. On July 10, 1879, a large 150-pound cannon was installed. Soldiers from the Municipal Artillery Brigade, led by Engineer Eleazar Lezaeta Acharán, put it in place.
For over 100 years, the fort stayed mostly the same. The cannon remained in its original spot. However, by 2005, the fort had started to wear down. In 2003, the local government (the municipality) started a plan to save it. They spent 68 million Chilean Pesos to restore and expand the fort.
Restoration and Expansion
During the restoration, three new stone lookout towers were added. These towers have lights and benches. A stone entrance gate was also built about 100 meters south of the fort. This gate was made using local stones. The path leading to the fort was also paved. The restored Fort Lambert officially opened in 2005.
See also
In Spanish: Fuerte Lambert para niños
