Batería de Peñas Altas: apuntes histórico- arqueológicos sobre una fortaleza olvidada (Matanzas, Cuba)/ Peñas Altas Battery: Historical- Archaeological Insights from a Forgotten Fortress (Matanzas, Cuba)
Keywords:
PALABRAS CLAVE, Fortificación, Peñas Altas, Cagigal, Siglo XIX, Matanzas, Cuba/ KEYWORDS, Fortification, nineteenth century, CubaAbstract
RESUMEN: La batería de Peñas Altas fue la última
fortaleza construida para completar el sistema
defensivo tradicional de la bahía de Matanzas, Cuba.
En este trabajo revelamos nueva información a
través del análisis de planos inéditos, documentación
histórica y reconocimientos arqueológicos. A partir
de ello planteamos que Peñas Altas fue erigida entre
diciembre de 1819 y 1820, contrario a lo asumido por
la historiografía que data el inmueble hacia 1818- 1819.
Se destacan cuatro momentos en la evolución de la
batería: planeamiento y construcción (1818-1827),
remodelación (1840-1850), ampliación (1876-1886) y
una última remodelación en 1907. Peñas Altas funcionó
como fuerte militar durante todo el siglo XIX. Luego fue
utilizado como polvorín y estación de policía, hasta que
fue demolido en 1962. De este significativo patrimonio
histórico matancero quedan algunos muros que
representan sus diferentes etapas constructivas con
potencial para convertir este espacio en un parque de
memoria patrimonial.
ABSTRACT: The coastal battery of Peñas Altas was
the last fortification to complete the defensive system
surrounding Matanzas Bay, Cuba. This research
offers new information gathered from the analysis of
unpublished maps, historical archives, and a preliminary
archaeological survey. Such information has allowed
us to limit the construction of the fortification between
December 1819 and 1820, and not in 1818- 1819 as
assumed by traditional historiography. Four important
moments in its evolution are identified: planning and
construction (1818-1827), remodeling (1840-1850),
expansion (1876-1886), and a second remodeling in 1907.
Peñas Altas functioned as a military post throughout
the nineteenth century, and later became a police
station and munition warehouse until its demolition in
1962. Only few walls and part of the platform remain,
however, they represent an important part of the lost
heritage with potential for further research and tourism
development.
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