[1] During the Spanish colonial period, the land currently comprising Liwasang Bonifacio and the Manila Central Post Office was the Cuartel del Fortín, a small fortress guarding the Pasig River east of Fort Santiago.

It was located in the early Chinese trading village of Parián right outside the walls of Intramuros before it moved north of the Pasig River to Binondo and Santa Cruz in the late 18th century.

El Fortín served as the quarters of a contingent of the Spanish infantry regiment where it is fronted by a small plaza surrounded by stone benches and trees.

The Plaza del Fortín also doubled as a public recreation area at night where early residents would gather to hear musical performances.

A statue of Andres Bonifacio was erected here in 1963, designed by national artist Guillermo Tolentino to commemorate his birth centennial.