Spanish Colonial Fortifications in North America 1565–1822

Covers the roles played by fortifications in the settlement of North America, and features major sites such as The Alamo and the Presidio Nuestra Señora de Loreto de la Bahía in Texas, the Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas in Florida, and the Presidio of San Diego and Fort Guijarros in California.

To maintain its imperial power in America, Spain built fortifications across the width of the continent. This book provides a cogent analysis of Spain's defensive network at the height of the country's imperial strength on the American continent.To maintain its imperial power in America, Spain built fortifications across the width of the continent. These outposts were established along Spanish borders from the late sixteenth century onwards to defend its interests against rival European powers and to suppress uprisings of the Native Americans and local population. By the eighteenth century, Spain's defenses spread from the northern area of the Gulf of Mexico through to California. Some of these imperial fortifications, such as the Alamo, played key roles in conflicts including the American Revolution and the Texan War of Independence. This book provides a cogent analysis of Spain's defensive network at the height of the country's imperial strength on the American continent.