The death of King Philip II in 1598 and that of Queen Isabel in 1603 put an end to formal hostilities between Spain and England for a while. However, a new threat to Spain arose in the form of a rebellion in the low countries. In 1625, Holland went to war with Spain and sent a fleet to conquer its territories in Brazil but on arrival there, they encountered a powerful Spanish naval force and set sail instead to San Juan.

The Dutch attack was led by Boudewijn Hendrikcz, who commanded 17 ships and around 800 men.

Juan de Haro was Governor of San Juan at the time, and he ordered the reinforcement of the shore of Boquerón and sited defenses at El Escambrón in expectation of an attack from the east, but the Dutch were able to penetrate against the fire of El Morro. The defenders at La Puntilla could not stand against the enemy bombardment and had to retreat to the city, taking refuge in El Morro. The Dutch tried to prevent the arrival of supplies to the Castle, but the Spaniards established an effective system of communications with the outside to receive food and give orders to their troops in the surrounding area. Haro launched attacks which caused many casualties among the Dutch.

On October 5, a Spanish Captain, with the help of 50 men, inflicted great losses on the invaders and captured arms and their flag. During the night, men from the surrounding countryside, although not part of the garrison, launched terrible attacks on the enemy. This contribution was vital. On October 21, attacks against the Dutch were intensified and Hendrickz, realizing that he was losing, set the city on fire and re-embarked with his troops, having lost around 400 men.

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San Juan National Historic Site, Fort San Cristobal, Norzagaray Street, San Juan, PR 00901
Telephone: (787) 729-6777
Last Update: March, 2000