Ever consider how Cartagena almost became an English-speaking city? Here at San Blas, we delve into a story of heroism against overwhelming odds.
San Blas is more than just a location. It’s a reminder of a pivotal moment in Cartagena’s history. It echoes with tales of resilience and a city saved.
Imagine the 18th century. Cartagena was a jewel. It was a strategic port for Spain. Gold and silver flowed from here to Europe. Naturally, other nations coveted this wealth. The English, among others, had their eyes on Cartagena. They had sacked the city before.
Then came Admiral Vernon. He was an English commander. He set his sights on conquering Cartagena in 1741. Vernon assembled a massive fleet. It had 180 ships and over 28000 men. This force dwarfed the Spanish Armada. The Armada had previously tried to conquer England. Cartagena seemed doomed. Its defenses were small. They consisted of 3000 soldiers, native archers, black slaves and six ships.
But Cartagena had a secret weapon: Don Blas de Lezo. He was a seasoned Spanish admiral. Though disabled by multiple war wounds, he was a brilliant strategist. Don Blas rallied the city’s defenders.
Vernon’s fleet arrived on March 13, 1741. The English bombarded the city. They were confident of a swift victory. Vernon even sent word to England. He announced Cartagena’s impending fall. The English minted commemorative coins. These coins depicted Don Blas kneeling before Vernon. The inscription boasted of British triumph.
However, Don Blas and his men refused to surrender. They repelled wave after wave of English attacks. The Bay of Cartagena turned into a graveyard for the invaders. Diseases like malaria and scurvy ravaged Vernon’s troops. Don Blas used clever tactics. He had previously used similar ones in Genoa. He threatened to raze the entire town.
After weeks of fighting, the English morale crumbled. Desertions soared and Vernon’s arrogance turned to frustration. He started arguing with his generals. On April 28, Vernon withdrew his forces. He sailed away on May 20. His dreams of conquest lay in ruins.
The English suffered a devastating defeat. They lost 18000 men and many ships. King George II tried to suppress the news of this embarrassment.
Don Blas de Lezo died of his wounds later that year. He has no known grave. However, legend says he was buried in the Iglesia de de la Orden Tercera near here.
Today, Cartagena remembers Don Blas as a hero. At the foot of the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is his statue. He is brandishing a sword. The plinth shows reproductions of the English victory coins. But they serve as a reminder of Cartagena’s triumph. They remind us of his bravery. They remind us that Cartagena defied expectations. Because of Don Blas, we speak Spanish here today.