Little is known about Acapulco’s earliest inhabitants. However pottery and other artifacts suggest that the area was a center of trade long before the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the 16th century. Acapulco became the main port for Spain’s lucrative trade with her colonies in the Philippines. For over 200 years, Manila Galleons laden with silks, spices, and other treasures form the Orient would dock in Acapulco’s natural harbor.
Not surprisingly, Acapulco’s wealth attracted marauding British and Dutch pirates. In 1615, the Spanish built Fuerte de San Diego to protect the port. The fortress was destroyed by an earthquake in 1776, but it was rebuilt and functioned until the early 18th century, when the Mexican War of Independence put an end to trade with the Far East. Acapulco was razed during the independence war and fell into a long period of decline.
In the 1920’s, European tourists began discovering Acapulco. Later, during the 1950’s, numerous resort hotels were constructed, and Acapulco became a favorite haunt for Hollywood actors plus the rich and famous from around the world. The next four decades brought increased development, including a new highway from Mexico City, and Acapulco evolved into the popular tourist Mecca that we see today.
