view of el vigia cross.
the cross sits @ same spot on vigia hill spanish settlers once looked out merchant ships , would-be invaders, including marauding pirates. in 1801, settlers built smaller cross made of 2 intersecting tree trunks observer watch sea , city s port, raising different flags either notify local merchants of incoming trade ships or alert military authorities of possible threats (a replica of wooden cross sits behind current monument). hut built accompanied cross flags raised signal approach of ships port of origin. station run 2 brothers ricardo , alberto lugo, honored plaque @ base of cross in 1984. descendants of alonso fernández de lugo last conquistador of spain.
one of best remembered watchmen named luis castro. 200 years ago, luis sit atop huge wooden cross on hill. on lookout ocean vessels, responsibility determine nationality of approaching ships. if recognized vessel raise flag, if ship thought carrying contraband no flag raised , spanish military investigate. cruceta built in honor of mr. castro , other watchmen faithfully helped protect city during younger years.
the vigia hill served refugee camp citizens during storm on september 12, 1738, earthquake on may 10, 1787, tsunami on november 18, 1867, , united states invasion on july 25, 1898.
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