This fort was built in the seventeenth century, by order of Viceroy Marquez de Guadalcazar, to protect the bay from pirate attacks. At this time, commerce between New Spain and the far east was at a peak. Acapulco was the principal commercial port of New Spain; galleons from different parts of the world, such as the famous Nao de China, from Manila, disembarked many valuables: fine clothing, jewels, objects of art, etc., to the awe of New Spain citizens.

In 1776, the fort suffered considerable damage from an earthquake, and under Don Miguel de Constanzos´ supervision and carried out by the Spanish engineer, Ramon Panin, was reconstructed. The new structure began in 1778 and finished on July 17, 1783.