Veracruz, Mexico — The Gulf Coast (North America)
The Wall of the Rings
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, March 23, 2017
1. The Wall of the Rings Marker
El muro contaba con treinta y dos grandes argollas de bronce que servían de amarre a los barcos que cruzaban el océano Atlántico y llegaban aquí a descargar sus mercancias. También brindaba protección a las embarcaciones frente a los vientos del norte, los cuales siguen azotando a esta parte del Golfo.
Hacia 1783, había diez bóvedas pegadas al muro de las argollas que daban hacia el interior. Se sabe que dos de ellas eran cocinas con fogón y, otras tres, se empleaban como panadería.
A finales del siglo XIX, con la instalación del Arsenal Nacional Tres en el fuerte, se abrieron tres puertas en el muro, custodiadas por seis garitones y una banqueta que funcionó como muelle, y que facilitó la entrada de los insumos de guerra
this page online
Actualmente, en el muro se encuentra la "puerta del mar”, uno de los sitios más emblemáticos de la fortaleza.
English translation:
It had thirty-two large bronze rings that served as moorings for the ships that crossed the Atlantic ocean and came here to unload their goods. The fort also provided protection to the boats from northern winds, which continue to lash this part of the Gulf of Mexico.
By 1783, there were ten vaulted rooms attached to the Wall of the Rings, towards the interior. Two of them had stoves and were used for cooking. The other three rooms were used as bakeries.
At the end of the 19th century, with the installation of the Third National Arsenal in the fort, three gates were opened in the wall,
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, March 23, 2017
2. The Wall of the Rings Marker
A view of the marker towards the west, with Bastion San Pedro and the modern-day port in the distance.
Today, the wall contains the "Gate to the Sea", one of the most emblematic sites of the fort.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1783.
Location. 19° 12.542′ N, 96° 7.908′ W. Marker is in Veracruz. It can be reached from Camino Escénico a San Juan de Ulúa. The marker is to the west when facing the "Gate of the Sea" from the southern exterior wall 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
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, March 23, 2017
3. The Wall of the Rings
The name, "Wall of Rings" comes from these large, bronze anchoring rings sunk into the wall that were used for docking boats close to the fort.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, March 23, 2017
4. One of the rings previously set into the Wall of the Rings
This large, bronze ring is currently in the Governor's House Museum at Fort San Juan Ulúa. It was previously used during the colonial period to dock boats at the fort.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, March 23, 2017
5. The "Gate to the Sea" at San Juan Ulúa
The marker is just outside the gate to the right in this view.
Photographed by Batista Antonelli, 1590
6. A depiction of the Wall of the Rings
This image is from the Museum of the City of Veracruz (Museo de la Ciudad de Veracruz).
Its caption reads:
Perspectiva de San Juan de Ulúa y el muro de argollas al que se amarraban las flotas. Manuscrito lavado en colores de Batista Antonelli, 1590. Archivo General de Indias de Sevilla.
Its caption reads:
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 269 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 9, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 4, 5. submitted on June 10, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 6. submitted on August 2, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
