The notion of fort derives from fort : a fortified space that has a defensive structure to resist enemy aggression. A fort of small dimensions is called a fort, in this framework.
It can be said, therefore, that a fort is a type of fort that is distinguished by its small size. The forts were usually built on elevated lands, with perimeter walls and, sometimes, a moat. Inside the fort there were ranches for housing, a prison , a stable, a food warehouse, an arsenal , the troops' barracks and a mangrullo.
In any case, there was no single fort configuration. Some could have an infirmary, chapel and other places that were used by those who were inside.
In Argentina , forts were key in the army's strategy during the so-called Conquest of the Desert , a military campaign that allowed the government to take control of territories that, until then, belonged to the native peoples. The army, in this context, built lines of forts as it managed to advance through the territory. These forts functioned as a kind of mobile border that ensured the defense of the won lands.
In the same way, we cannot forget what is known as Fortín de la Federación. Specifically, we have to explain that it is a construction that was very important during the well-known Battle of Monterrey, which took place in Mexico back in the mid-19th century.
Exactly that fort or defensive point was erected on what is now known as Cerro de la Loma Larga with the aim of protecting the area from US troops. He put up resistance for a while, but finally fell into the hands of the woman who later bombed him down.
Currently, several buildings in different parts of the world carry the name fort due to their characteristics. Fortín de Heredia ( Costa Rica ), Fortín de San Francisco ( Spain ), Fortín de San Gerónimo ( Puerto Rico ) and Fortín Solano ( Venezuela ) are some of them. Also towns such as Fortín Olavarría and Fortín Hacha ( Argentina ) and El Fortín ( Mexico ).
In addition to the forts indicated, we should not overlook the Fortín de Canfalí, which is located in Spain. Specifically, it is in Benidorm (Alicante), more precisely the remains that remain from that one.
It was built in the 16th century, during the viceroyalty of Gonzaga, with the aim of protecting the area and the city from possible attacks by Berber pirates.
However, we must not forget that in that same Alicante city the existence of a fort of Roman origin was discovered at the Tossal de La Cala site. This fort dates back to the 1st century BC and, apparently, became a military settlement under the orders of General Quintus Sertorius. If they were there it was because from there they could see the possible arrival of ships or troops to the city.
Finally, Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield in the city of Buenos Aires is nicknamed "El fortín" , as is its stadium ( José Amalfitani ).