Built between 1756 and 1775,[1] the fortress guarded Spanish interests in the-then Captaincy General of Guatemala before being seized by the Honduran government in 1821.

A native village existed in the area during the original fort's construction, but was soon depopulated, its inhabitants dispersed and put into forced labor under the Repartimiento.

This more extensive fortification, named the Fortaleza de San Fernando, was built between the mid-18th century (sources differ if construction began in 1756,[3] 1759,[2] or 1768[4]) and 1775.

[1]The fort was first tested in 1779 when Spain—seeking to strike a blow against its longtime rival Britain—joined France and the nascent United States in the American Revolutionary War.

Spain's entry into the conflict spurred the British to begin attacking Spanish colonies in Central America, including territories of Captaincy of Guatemala.