American Defenses of Corregidor and Manila Bay 1898–1945

The Philippines were declared an American Territory on January 4, 1899, and construction of seacoast fortifications began in the mouth of Manilla Bay - Fort Mills (Corregidor), Fort Frank, Fort Hughes, and Subic Bay's Fort Wint. Tiny El Fraile Island was levelled to create a unique structure, the complex and formidable "concrete battleship" of Fort Drum. During World War II, the Japanese invaded, and were determined to hold out to the bitter end. This work brings back to life these key sites.