By Martin St-Amant (S23678) - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6383937
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a historic fortress located in Cartagena, Colombia, renowned for its impressive military architecture and strategic significance. Constructed by the Spanish Empire during the colonial period, the fortress served as a crucial defensive structure to protect the city of Cartagena and its valuable port from foreign invasions and pirate attacks.
Built on a strategic hill called San Lázaro, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas boasts formidable defenses, including thick stone walls, intricate fortifications, and a complex network of tunnels and underground passages. Its design, developed by Spanish military engineer Antonio de Arévalo, was aimed at withstanding sustained assaults and siege warfare.
Throughout its history, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas witnessed several battles and sieges, including attacks by English and French forces seeking to control the lucrative Caribbean trade routes. Notably, during the 1741 Battle of Cartagena, the fortress played a crucial role in repelling a large British invasion force led by Admiral Edward Vernon, securing a significant victory for the Spanish Empire.
The fortress's strategic importance persisted into the 19th century, as it continued to serve as a military stronghold during Colombia's struggle for independence from Spain and subsequent conflicts. Over time, it underwent expansions and renovations to adapt to evolving military technologies and tactics.
Today, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Cartagena's rich colonial heritage. It attracts visitors from around the world who marvel at its imposing architecture, explore its labyrinthine tunnels, and learn about its storied past through guided tours and historical exhibits. The fortress remains a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Spanish colonial engineers and serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical struggles that shaped the history of the Caribbean region.
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One of the oldest roads in the state, Fort Road was originally built by the federal government after Fort Ridgely was completed in 1853-54. Supplies were shipped from Fort Snelling to Traverse des Sioux, then transported by wagon to Fort Ridgely.
Nicollet County Road 5 runs more than 42 miles from its eastern terminus at its intersection with US Highway 169 in St Peter to the Renville County line. Old Fort Road presumably extended from Traverse des Sioux, although the portion running through the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College has been blocked off. Fort Road as an address runs from the western edge of St Peter to the end of CR-5.
In an ideal world, a paved trail would have been installed when the road was refurbished in the early 2010s. This planned geocache trail will have to suffice, but won’t alleviate my anxiety when biking here.