Fuerte Bulnes, Military fort at Punta Santa Ana near Punta Arenas, Chile

Fuerte Bulnes is a replica fort on the rocky hill of Punta Santa Ana, overlooking the Strait of Magellan. A palisade of upright, pointed logs encloses wooden buildings, including a two-story blockhouse with a pyramidal roof and a longer, low building with a weathered shingle roof. A wooden sign frame at the entrance reads "FUERTE BULNES" in white block letters.

Chilean president Manuel Bulnes ordered the schooner Ancud to Punta Santa Ana, where commander Juan Williams took possession of the Strait of Magellan on 21 September 1843; the fort itself was founded on 30 October 1843, built of logs and grass sods, 24 hours before a French expedition arrived with the same aim. Harsh weather kept a stable population away, so the governor founded Punta Arenas in 1848 and the fort was abandoned; Lieutenant Miguel José Cambiaso later burned its ruins. Rebuilt between 1941 and 1943, it was declared a National Monument in 1968.

The fort is named after President Manuel Bulnes Prieto, who ordered its founding in 1843. The 1941–1943 replica rebuilt the church, chaplain's quarters, jail, powder magazine, post office and stables. Visitors can also see the 1,600 m² interpretive display on the history of the Strait of Magellan.

The fort is located about 60 kilometers south of Punta Arenas and is accessible by car. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when weather conditions are more stable and all indoor exhibits are fully open.

The structures were built using local materials such as timber and grass bricks, reflecting the scarcity of resources in the area. These simple building techniques show how early settlers adapted to the extreme conditions and isolation of this remote southern location.