Fort Santo Tomás, Spanish colonial fort in Santiago, Dominican Republic
Fort Santo Tomás is a Spanish colonial fortification located in the highlands near Santiago, Dominican Republic, built on elevated terrain overlooking several river valleys. The stone remains scattered across the site reveal how the Spanish positioned this structure to control the surrounding landscape and water routes.
The fort was built in March 1494 during Columbus's second voyage and became the second Spanish fortification on Hispaniola. It served as a crucial base for establishing Spanish control over the newly claimed island territories.
The name references Saint Thomas and reflects the religious meaning Spanish settlers gave to their colonial mission. The fort's location in the highlands made it a symbolic outpost where two very different societies first encountered each other.
The site sits on a mountain plateau accessible from Santiago via local routes, so sturdy footwear is essential due to uneven terrain. Since only ruins remain, good physical fitness and care when walking around the stone foundations are necessary.
Commander Alonso de Ojeda famously defended the fort with only fifteen soldiers against a large indigenous attack, capturing several attackers in the process. This small garrison proved the Spanish could hold their position even when vastly outnumbered.
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