AIRVIEW OF THE FORTRESS OF SAN FELIPE DEL MORRO, San Juan National Historic Site. El Morro is the largest and strongest of the massive forts begun by the Spanish in the 16th century to defend San Juan, Puerto Rico. The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the "Indies," and he took possession of it in the name of the Spanish sovereigns. Ponce de Leon began its colonization in 1508.

Since the ancient defenses of San Juan are still used by the Department of the Army, that Department retains jurisdiction, the National Park Service administering and developing it for public use under a cooperative agreement. It is hoped that full jurisdiction may be transferred to the National Park Service in the not too distant future. (U. S. Army Photograph.)