The History of Corregidor Island in the Philippines

An island by the name of Corregidor in the Philippines is recognized as a historical location. Many significant events took place here such the battle between the Spanish and Americans, the United States used the island as a military reservation, the battle between the Filipinos and Americans against the Japanese and it was once the residence of Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon for a short time. Let's take a look at the history of Corregidor Island in the Philippines.

During the time of the Spanish's occupation, the island was used as a signal station where bonfires were lit to notify Manila the arrival of a galleon. In later years, the Spanish constructed a lighthouse on Corregidor. In 1795, the Spaniards created a naval dockyard on the island. Soon after a naval hospital as well as a signal station was erected to tip off Manila that enemies might be entering. In 1836, a lighthouse was constructed and 17 years later, a more powerful light was set in place. In 1897, this was changed out and the new one was utilized until the eruption of the Pacific War. During this time, it was significantly damaged and was restored to the same condition.

While the Spanish occupied Corregidor, a government was created in the little town of San Jose. In later times, when the Americans occupied the island, it developed into a little community with its cemented streets and housed the Philippine Scouts who made up a large part of the defense force in Corregidor. In 1898, after almost 400 years of occupation by the Spanish in the Philippines, the United States quickly took over after winning their fight against the Spanish.

In 1907, Corregidor was chosen to be a U.S. Military Reservation as well as an army post which was named after Brig. General Samuel M. Mills who was the chief artillery of the U.S. Army. That same year, a regular army post was constructed. Americans also created a hospital, bomb-shelters, concrete emplacements as well as trails around Corregidor. In 1922, the Malinta Tunnel began to safeguard military installations in the event of a war. Additionally, 13 anti-aircraft artillery batteries, 10 searchlights as well as 56 costal guns were set up.

In December of 1941 the island became a major stronghold of the allies during the war. When the Japanese invaded the Philippines, the military was led by General Douglas MacArthur. This island fortress is a memorial that is dedicated to the bravery of the Filipinos as well as the Americans who courageously protected Corregidor during World War II against the Japanese.

Then from 1941 to 1942, General Douglas MacArthur used the island as a base. Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon and his family briefly lived on Corregidor for two months from December 24, 1941 to February 19, 1942.

In 1941, Filipino as well as American soldiers defended themselves the best they knew how until the island of Bataan was attacked by the Japanese on April 9, 1942 which became recognized as "The Fall of Bataan". The Philippine and American soldiers stood their ground at Corregidor for a total of 27 days. On May 6, 1942, the Allied forces surrendered Corregidor to Lt. General Homma Masaharu of the Japanese Imperial Army.

In March of 1945, General MacArthur and his forces were able to reclaim Corregidor where just 3 years earlier, he made a promise that he would return back to the Philippines.