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Photographer’s Note

The São José de Macapá Fortress guaranteed the strategic Lusitanian Empire set by Spain and Portugal, in 1750 Madrid treaty, with determined the ownership of the territorial boundaries. Such role was played together with other fortifications spread along the mouth of the rivers in the Amazon region.

Its construction began on June 29, 1764 and was carried out by the non paid work of the military contigent, by slave work, by Afro Brazilians rented from private owners and by mainly by compulsory Brazilian natine work. The fortness was inaugurated on March 19, 1782.

Erected on the left bank of the mouth of the Amazon river, the Fortress strategically aimed at preventing enimies from accessing this gateway; supplying an allied army fighting in the frontier and protecting it in the case a retreat was necessary; protecting the São José de Macapá Village from an invasion attempt.

The fortress was built under the influence of the 8Th Vauban Model from the France military architecture, becoming a center for barracks with parade grounds surrounded by bastions and by other structures meant to support defense. These particular features make in the biggest fortification constructed during the Lusitanian Colonial Empire.

Global Position:
00 01 51.58 N
51 02 57.10 W

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Additional Photos by Paulo Carvalho (paura) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 6718 W: 40 N: 4935] (38222)
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