Existing comment:
Following Vancouver's visit, the Spanish soldiers lost no time setting up San Diego's first harbor defense at Point Guijarros, on the landward side of Ballast Point.
Workmen and materials came from Monterey and Santa Barbara while local artisans and workers made brick and tile were made at the Presidio, hauling them to the beach and then taking them across to the point by flatboat.
Fort Gaijarros' baptism of fire occurred Mar. 22, 1803. The Yankee brig Leila Byrd, after some contraband dealings with the inhabitants, was seized and put under armed guard. Overpowering the Spaniards, the crew raised anchor and stood out to sea, carrying the guard with her. The fort opened fire, scoring several hits. Off to Ballast Point, the brig fired a broadside from her six 3-pounders, driving the defenders from their batteries. Once out of range, the Yankees put the terrified guards (who had been forced to line the rail during the engagement) into a boat and let them row ashore.
By 1839, the fort had long fallen into disuse and disrepair. Only two serviceable cannon were left. Early in 1840, the remnants of the fort and casemates were sold to San Diegan Juan Machado for $40. One of the guns now is mounted on a pedestal in the Old Town Plaza, another is at the site of Fort Stockton on Presidio Hill. The rest are gone. |