San Carlos Fortress facts for kids
The San Carlos Fortress (in Spanish: Fortaleza de San Carlos) is an old fort built in the 1700s. You can find it in the city of Perote, in the Mexican state of Veracruz. People also call it the Fort of San Carlos, Perote Castle, or San Carlos de Perote Fortress.
Contents
Building the Fortress
The fortress was built between 1770 and 1776. A person named Manuel de Santisteban oversaw its construction. Its main purpose was to be a guard post. It also stored valuable treasures before they were shipped to Spain. This was during the time when Spain ruled many parts of the Americas.
A New Military School
After Mexico became independent from Spain, the Spanish soldiers left. General Guadalupe Victoria decided to use the fortress for something new. On October 11, 1823, he opened the first military college in Mexico there. It was called the Perote Military College.
A Prison for Texans
Between 1841 and 1844, the fortress became a prison. Soldiers from the Republic of Texas were held here. These Texans were captured during different events. For example, about 300 men from the Santa Fe expedition were held there in 1841-1842.
Later, in December 1842, about 50 men captured near San Antonio were also imprisoned. In 1843, around 160 survivors of the Mier Expedition were brought to Perote. They had been working on roads near Mexico City. The last of these Texan prisoners, about 105 of them, were finally set free in September 1844. Sadly, many died from injuries, sickness, or not having enough food. Some also managed to escape.
A President's Final Days
In March 1843, Guadalupe Victoria passed away at the San Carlos Fortress. He had been Mexico's first President in the 1820s. He suffered from a health condition called epilepsy. He was receiving medical care in Perote when he died.
During the Mexican-American War
During the Mexican–American War (1846–1848), American forces took control of the fortress. This happened on April 22, 1847. They used it as a military base. It helped them protect their supply lines between Veracruz and Mexico City. This was important to stop attacks from small groups of fighters.
Later Uses of the Fortress
At the very end of World War II, Mexico joined the fight against the Axis alliance. The fortress then became a prison for German and Italian citizens.
After that, from 1949 until March 2007, the fortress served as a state prison. Today, it is no longer a prison. It is now open to the public. People can visit and learn about its long history.
See also
In Spanish: Fortaleza de San Carlos de Perote para niños
