A Pacific gateway to Asia
Acapulco’s sheltered bay became an important port during Mexico’s colonial period. Galleons began arriving from Asia in 1565, linking the Pacific coast of New Spain with Manila and bringing the harbour into a trading network spanning Asia, the Americas and Europe.
The valuable cargoes also made the port a target. Following a Dutch attack in 1615, the Fort of San Diego was built the next year to defend the harbour and arriving ships. The galleon connection continued from the sixteenth century into the early nineteenth century.
The accompanying photograph records the bay in February 2010. It provides a dated view of the waterfront and anchorage rather than evidence of present-day harbour conditions.