Discover El Morro: 13 Fascinating Facts About This Iconic Fortress You Might Not Know!

1. Swipe Right with Flags

In a time when Netflix and chill was centuries away and military alliances were swiped right with actual flags, El Morro had its own unique way of painting the town red - or Burgundy, to be precise: The Cross of Burgundy, a 16th-18th century Spanish military flag, was once hoisted at El Morro and San Cristobal alongside the U.S. and Puerto Rican flags, serving as a proud symbol of warships, forts, and regiments loyal to the Spanish king.
Source => nps.gov

2. Emoji Flags of the Past

Ahoy, me hearties! In a time before radar and GPS, would you believe El Morro managed to flag down ships with messaging more nuanced than ye olde "angry" react or "thumbs up" emoji? Color us impressed: As ships entered the Bay of San Juan, El Morro flew colored flags to indicate the type of vessel and its purpose, with red signaling traders and black warning of hostile intent, allowing the Spanish military to identify potential threats and respond accordingly.
Source => vistasgallery.ace.fordham.edu

Did you know? Fort McHenry's flagpole endured 27 hours of British bombardment and even after being demolished, a new flag was raised - inspiring the iconic "The Star-Spangled Banner"! 🇺🇸💥 Discover more fascinating details here.

=> Fun Facts about Fort-Mchenry

3. Boarding from Miles Away

El Morro wasn't just known for its charm – it singlehandedly redefined the meaning of the phrase, "Prepare to be boarded... from three miles away!": With over 450 mounted cannons, this powerful fortress protected San Juan from naval attacks, boasting a range of up to one mile and even stretching to three miles for its larger 18-pound cannons – a feat so impressive it inspired the 3-mile offshore international limit.
Source => nps.gov

4. Defying Pirate Charm

Against all odds and Sir Francis Drake's piratical charm: El Morro withstood attacks from both Sir Francis Drake's fleet in 1595 and the British in 1797, remaining undefeated, and even took part in World War I when Lieutenant Teófilo Marxuach fired shots at a German supply ship in 1915, marking some of the first shots fired by the United States in the war.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

5. Pirate-Proof Fortress

Tired of pesky pirates crashing the party? El Morro's got you covered with its trendsetting, pirate-proof collection of 18-foot thick walls and rotating cannons: As a robust defense mechanism, El Morro was strategically designed to safeguard the Bay of San Juan from British and Dutch raiders, boasting expansive walls and versatile cannons that faced both the Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Source => vistasgallery.ace.fordham.edu

6. Lighthouse with a Glow-Up

If El Morro's lighthouse had a Tinder profile, it'd boast about being a 180-feet-tall catch with great views and a century-old glow-up: Originally rebuilt by the US Army in 1906-08, this lofty landmark still stands proudly above the fort, offering awe-inspiring panorama of the city to smitten visitors.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Dutch Cheese and Sieges

It seems the Dutch have always had a knack for creating fine cheeses, wooden shoes, and drawn-out military sieges: In 1625, during the Battle of San Juan, they besieged El Morro fortress and the city for a whopping two months but still failed to capture it from the Spanish, ultimately resulting in a Spanish victory and a serious upgrade to Puerto Rico's defenses.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. The Oldest Working Lighthouse

Who needs GPS when you've got a historic lighthouse guiding the way for ships at sea? Not the captains of the Caribbean, who have long relied on an illuminary beacon that's stood the test of time at El Morro: The lighthouse, completed in 1843, has been guarding the entrance to San Juan bay for centuries and is now considered the oldest working lighthouse in the region.
Source => discoverpuertorico.com

9. Rock-Steady El Morro

Talk about a rock and a hard place: El Morro stood tall and unflappable during the Dutch invasion of San Juan in 1625, despite the city being infiltrated from the harbor side; its steadfastness and defensive prowess saved the day, forcing the would-be conquerors to turn tail and run.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

10. Jack Sparrow's Missed Gem

Ahoy, me hearties! When Captain Jack Sparrow was hunting for the fountain of youth, he must've missed a fine historical gem tucked away in Puerto Rico: Castillo San Felipe del Morro, or more simply, El Morro! Though its 1634-1783 construction timeline would've fit right into the "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" setting, this mighty Spanish fortress was never seen in the film: So, if you ever find yourself on a treasure hunt, know that this impressive, movie-worthy bastion is rooted in reality and stands tall to this day, despite never sharing center stage with Mr. Sparrow himself.
Source => pirates.fandom.com

11. Tallest Lighthouse in Puerto Rico

Forget being the head and shoulders above the rest: El Morro's lighthouse got, arms, legs, and even its pinky toe way above the competition, as Puerto Rico's tallest lighthouse! Standing tall, 180 feet (55 meters) above sea level, this architectural beacon of hope was resurrected by the US Army in the early 1900s to oversee harbor defense, and still pulls off that old-timey charm while offering a breathtaking vantage point of its staggering surroundings.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

12. Pirate-Resistant TripAdvisor Favorite

If you're looking for a rock-solid defense against pirate invasions and negative Yelp reviews, El Morro Fortress is your go-to spot: Originally constructed by the Spanish in the 16th century, this unbeatable stronghold has thwarted countless attacks and now invites tourists to explore its walls, take in breathtaking views from the top, and witness the ceremonial cannon ball firing at sundown.
Source => discoverpuertorico.com

13. Spanish-American War Lifesaver

Feeling lost at sea during the Spanish-American War? Lighten up, there's a beacon of hope: The El Morro lighthouse in Havana had been guiding sailors since 1845 with its powerful light that could be seen from up to 20 miles away, and even helped American naval forces navigate into Havana's harbor.
Source => en.wikipedia.org