An island with history
This island is situated near the entrance to the Bay of San Juan, visible from the Castillo del Morro. At first glance, it seems to be just a sort of emerged coral reef, not much else. However, it has witnessed lot of history. It was formerly used as a military base because of its highly strategic location in the bay.
At the time, it was only accessible by boat so the island was used to house lepers. The silent ruins of an old leper colony are a silent witness to the suffering under which those patients lived.
Currently (and ironically), it is accessible by road and has become a recreational center with all the necessary facilities for family fun. It is known for its peacefulness, cool breeze, and tropical landscape. It is also the headquarters of the Fishing Club Isla de Cabras, Inc. and the estate of the Puerto Rico Police.
The historical connotations of this island have become a symbol of the people to which it once belonged, Toa Baja, as well as the fort San Juan de la Cruz commonly called "The Canuelo." This fort was surrounded by water, had six guns, and could accommodate up to 200 soldiers but only reached a maximum of 12. The work of the Spanish militia was to defend against enemy attacks at the entrance to San Juan Bay and the mouth of the Bayamón River by creating a crossfire between the fort and the Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
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