Fort de la Encarnación facts for kids

The Fort de la Encarnación was an important fort built a long time ago on the Repocura River. It was first built in 1666. A team led by Juan Ignacio de la Carrera constructed it. They were following orders from the Royal Governor of Chile, Francisco de Meneses Brito. This fort was very important for the Spanish during their time in Chile.

The fort was destroyed several times because of conflicts with the Mapuche people. It was a key place in the history of the region.

History of the Fort

Building the First Fort

The first Fort de la Encarnación was built in 1666. This was a time when the Spanish were trying to control more land in Chile. They needed forts to protect their settlements and trade routes. The fort was placed strategically on the Repocura River, which was an important location.

Destroyed and Rebuilt

The fort did not last long. In 1694, there was a big Mapuche uprising. The Mapuche people fought to protect their lands and way of life. During this uprising, the Fort de la Encarnación was destroyed.

But the Spanish quickly rebuilt it. In December of the same year, Tomás Marín de Poveda oversaw its reconstruction. A mission was also built nearby. However, these new structures were also destroyed. This happened during another Mapuche uprising in 1723.

The Last Fort

The fort was rebuilt one more time. In 1764, Governor Antonio de Guill y Gonzaga ordered its construction again. This time, it was known as Fort Repucura. But like before, it faced destruction. The fort was destroyed for the very last time in the Mapuche uprising of 1766. After this, it was not rebuilt again.

The Fort de la Encarnación played a big role in the history of the Spanish presence in Chile. It shows how much conflict there was between the Spanish and the Mapuche people during that period.

Sources

• Francisco Solano Asta Buruaga y Cienfuegos, Diccionario geográfico de la República de Chile, SEGUNDA EDICIÓN CORREGIDA Y AUMENTADA, NUEVA YORK, D. APPLETON Y COMPAÑÍA. 1899. pg. 265 Encarnación.— Antigua plaza fuerte

See also

In Spanish: Fuerte de la Encarnación para niños