- Home
- About Guam
- Villages
- Agana Heights
- Agat
- Asan-Maina
- Barrigada
- Chalan Pago-Ordot
- Dededo
- Hagatna
- Inarajan
- Mangilao
- Merizo
- Mongmong-Toto-Maite
- Piti
- Santa Rita
- Sinajana
- Talofofo
- Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon
- Umatac
- Yigo
- Yona
- About Micronesia
- Entry & Exit Formalities
- Safety Tips
- Sun Safety
- Water Safety
- Storms & Typhoons
- Coronavirus
- Traveler Essentials
- Home
- Chamorro Culture
- History
- Legends
- Heritage Sites
- Haputo
- Spanish Forts
- Sumay
- Talofofo
- Tarague
- Food
- Fiestas
- Nature
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Trees
- Wildlife
- Ko'ko Bird
- Sea Life
- Churches
- Architecture
- Music, Dance & Arts
- Traditional
- Jewelry
- Simple Chamorro Greetings
- Cultural Presentations
- Gef Pa'go
- Valley of the Latte
- Inarajan Shores
- Home
- Events
- Featured Events
- Festivals
- Crab Festival
- Mango Festival
- Donne Festival
- Banana Festival
- Agana Heights Coconut Festival
- Inarajan Coconut Festival
- Arts & Culture
- Holidays
- See All Events
- Home
- Things to Do
- Explore
- Explore Northern Guam
- Explore Central Guam
- Explore Southern Guam
- Let's Go Guam!
- Local & Military Specials
- Top 10 Things to Do
- Virtual
- Adventures
- Snorkeling
- Fishing
- Dolphin Watching
- Water Parks
- Boat Tours
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Hiking
- Waterfalls
- Attractions
- Shows
- SMS Cormoran
- Valley of the Latte
- Guam Museum
- Fish Eye Marine Park
- Beaches
- Diving in Guam
- Dive Shops
- SMS Cormoran
- Restaurants
- Museums, Arts & Entertainment
- Golf
- Family Fun
- Nightlife
- Clubs and Dancing
- Beauty and Wellness
- Spas and Massage
- World War II Sites
- Historical Sites
- National Parks
- SMS Cormoran
- WWII Liberators
- Shopping
- Buy Local
- Chamorro Village
- Shopping Centers
- Luxury
- Flea Markets
- #PROTECTGUAM
- Home
- Planning
- Guam Electronic Declaration Form
- COVID-19 Updates
- Philippine Travelers to Guam
- Trip Planner
- Airport
- Flights
- Transportation
- Taxis
- Buses
- Traveler Essentials
- Language & Currency
- Internet Access
- Cell Phone Service
- Guam Weather
- Electricity
- Vacation Guide
- Military Visitors
- Business Travelers
- Weddings
- Visitor Centers
- Tours and Guides
- Entry & Exit Formalities
- Safety Tips
- LGBTQ
- eNewsletter Sign Up
Spanish Forts
In order to protect Spain’s interests in Guam and its Pacific trade routes, several fortifications were constructed to defend the island. Beginning with the first stockade in Hagåtña in 1671 and ending with the semi-reductos (half-enclosed parapets) in 1835, the Spanish administration built fourteen fortifications of various types and dimensions on Guam. Most of these defensive structures were open batteries designed for cannons to fire through embrasures. Six fortifications were constructed in the village of Hagåtña. Four fortifications were built to protect Umatac Bay. Three fortifications were built to defend Apra Harbor and one unnamed battery was assembled in Merizo to protect the anchorage outside the village.