The museum
Island history.
A small Spanish fort on a hill above Isabel Segunda, the main town of Vieques, built in 1845 and also known as the Vieques Fort; it is said to be one of the last forts the Spanish built in the Americas. Restored in 1991, it houses the Vieques Museum of Art and History and the Vieques Historic Archive, a large collection of documents and photographs on the island's past: from its first peoples through the Spanish era to the decades of the US Navy and the islanders' campaign until its departure in 2003. Small exhibitions show local artists. The building, with red and yellow walls and a paved courtyard, overlooks the town, harbour and sea, reached by a stone path through the grass, and its walls give fine views of the island's north coast. The museum is small and takes about an hour, with limited opening times, so check before going. The sun is strong all year, so carry water, a hat and sunscreen.
Island history.
Coastal views.
Paved.
Isabel Segunda, north side of Vieques
The Vieques Museum of Art and History and the island archive, with documents and photos from its first peoples to the US Navy's departure in 2003.