Veracruz, Mexico — The Gulf Coast (North America)

The Bastion of San Crispin

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, March 23, 2017

1. The Bastion of San Crispin Marker

Inscription.
Baluarte de San CrispínEl de San Crispín fue el segundo baluarte (1568) que se construyó en la fortaleza de Ulúa, después de San Pedro. Al igual que éste último, también sirvió para amarrar allí pequeñas embarcaciones y, posteriormente, se fue ampliando hasta quedar con sus actuales dimensiones (1710).

Sobre la plataforma de este baluarte se hicieron aljibes y una estructura cuadrada conocida como "caballero", que tenia catorce cañones dispuestos en sus cuatro lados. Sobre el caballero se alzó una pequeña torre de vigia, la cual daba hacia mar abierto.

En el baluarte de San Crispín estuvo la capilla de Nuestra Señora de la Escalera, patrona de los viajeros que llegaban de la Península al reino de Nueva España. En la parte de abajo se guardaba la pólvora, leña y reservas de pan. En la planta alta había una sala de armas que se usaba como tal en tiempo de paz, y como habitación del jefe del Castillo de San Juan en tiempo de guerra.

English translation:
The Bastion of San Crispin The Bastion of San Crispin was the second bastion (1568) that was built for the fortress of Ulúa, after San Pedro. Like the latter, it also served as a dock for small boats and, later, it was extended to its present dimensions (1710).

On the platform of this bastion

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were located cisterns and a square structure known as the "knight", which had fourteen guns arranged on its four sides. On the knight stood a small watchtower, which overlooked the open sea.

Also on the Bastion of San Crispin was the chapel of Our Lady of the Ladder, patroness of the travelers who arrived from Spain to the kingdom of New Spain. In the bottom part of the bastion gunpowder, wood and reserves of bread were kept. On the upper floor was a gun room that was used as such in peacetime and as the quarters of the commander of Fort San Juan in times of war.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Forts and Castles • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.

Location. 19° 12.531′ N, 96° 7.878′ W. Marker is in Veracruz. It can be reached from Camino Escénico a San Juan de Ulúa. The marker is on the lower level of the fort at the southeast corner of the Fort San Juan Ulúa. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Veracruz 91700, Mexico. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Gulf Coast

and in the Sierra Madre.

Globally, it is in North America,

specifically in Mesoamerica,

in a Gulf of Mexico state,

on the Ring of Fire,

and in the Western Hemisphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

a Spanish colony,

and the Aztec Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Last Stronghold of the Spanish in Mexico (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wall of the Rings (within shouting distance of this marker); The “Curtain” of San Fernando (within shouting distance of this marker); The Governor's House

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, March 23, 2017

2. The Bastion of San Crispin Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Patio of the Curtain or Dry Moat (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Bastion of San Pedro (about 90 meters away); General Miguel Barragán (about 90 meters away); Benito Juárez in Prison in San Juan de Ulúa (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Veracruz.

The watchtower of the Bastion of San Crispin image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, March 23, 2017

3. The watchtower of the Bastion of San Crispin

"On the "knight" stood a small watchtower, which overlooked the open sea."

The Bastion of San Crispin, seen in the distance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, March 23, 2017

4. The Bastion of San Crispin, seen in the distance

This view is from the Wall of Rings towards the southeast at the Bastion of San Crispin and its tower.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2017. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 309 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 9, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.