The Port of Callao is an important coastal town in Peru and one of the few natural harbours along the South Pacific. It has San Lorenzo Island, Changpa and breakwaters as a barrier. Built by the Spaniards in 1537, it became the main export destination for plundering gold and silver in South America.
In the Latin American War of Independence, it was the most stubborn fortress of Spanish colonists. In 1821, the revolutionary army led by General San Martin liberated Lima and declared the independence of Peru. After General San Martin retired, General Bolivar's army continued to fight the Spanish army, and the Spanish army retreated steadily. On January 23, 1826, the Peruvian Patriotic Army finally conquered the Port of Callao, the last stronghold of the Spanish colonial forces, and all the defenders surrendered.
Since then, all colonies in South America have been liberated, and Spain’s 300-year colonial rule on the South American continent has come to an end.