Who is chapultepec

For centuries, the site has been the setting of important water management systems including a pre-Hispanic aqueduct created by the Aztecs—vestiges of this system can still be seen in the park. Containing nine museums, a zoo, an amusement park, and a variety of green recreational spaces located near popular commercial districts, Chapultepec Park is an invaluable ecological oasis, and a cultural, social, and civic space for the city residents and its visitors.

Up to 15 million people visit the urban park each year, often keeping to a few of the more popular areas. A group of committed citizens have been working together since to rehabilitate the park, and to reactivate underused areas that have great development potential for continued public enjoyment. In and , WMF worked alongside the Chapultepec Trust in the restoration of the former nineteenth-century gatehouse building, which served as an entrance to the military school that once operated in the park.

With the building restored with the support of American Express, Chapultepec Trust worked on its adaptive reuse as a museum and orientation.

The hill was located on an island in Lake Texcoco where the Mexica people made their home. According to legend, the other people of the region did not care for the Mexica and sent them to the island, then known for dangerous insects and animals, but the Mexica ate these pests and made the island their own.

One of the rulers mentioned is Montezuma II. After the fall of the Aztecs in , the hill was largely left alone. The hill and assorted structures upon it eventually became the property of the municipality of Mexico City. In , the new nation of Mexico decided to create a military academy there.

Many of the older structures of the castle date from this time. In , the Mexican-American War began. In , the Americans approached Mexico City from the east. Chapultepec was fortified and placed under the command of General Nicolas Bravo , a former president of the Mexican republic. On September 13, , the Americans needed to take the castle to proceed, they did, then secured the fortress. According to legend, six young cadets remained at their posts to fight off the invaders.

One of them, Juan Escutia, wrapped himself in the Mexican flag and leaped to his death from the castle walls, denying the invaders the honor of removing the flag from the castle. According to modern historians, the story is likely embellished, but the fact remains that Mexican cadets did defend the castle bravely during the Siege of Chapultepec. Although he spoke no Spanish, he was approached by Mexican and French agents who believed that a stable monarchy would be the best thing for Mexico.

Maximilian resided at Chapultepec Castle, which he had modernized and rebuilt according to the European standards of luxury at the time with marble floors and fine furniture. Maximilian also ordered the construction of Paseo de la Reforma, which connects Chapultepec Castle to the National Palace in the center of town. In , Porfirio Diaz came to power in Mexico. He took Chapultepec Castle as his official residence.

Like Maximilian, Diaz ordered changes and additions to the castle. Many items from his time are still in the castle, including his bed and the desk from which he signed his resignation as president in During the Mexican Revolution , various presidents used the castle as an official residence, including Francisco I. The museum and castle are a popular tourist destination. Many of the upper floors and gardens have been restored to look as they did during the age of Emperor Maximilian or President Porfirio Diaz, including original beds, furniture, paintings, and Maximilian's fancy coach.

Also, the exterior is renovated and includes the busts of Charlemagne and Napoleon that had been commissioned by Maximilian. Near the entrance to the castle is a massive monument to the fallen during the Mexican-American War, a monument to the st Air Squadron, a Mexican air unit which fought on the side of the Allies during World War II and old water cisterns, a nod to Lake Texcoco's former glory.

The National Museum of History includes pre-Colombian artifacts and displays about ancient cultures of Mexico. Other sections detail important parts of Mexican history, such as the war for independence and the Mexican Revolution. Oddly, there is little information about the Siege of Chapultepec. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content.