On the outside entry wall of the historic fort.

A Philippines Historic Marker

The marker remembers Fort Pilar which was used by the US Army during the long fort history from 1899 to 1942 and served as the local Headquarters for the US Army.  The Fort was captured in 1899 during the Spanish-American War and served as a local headquarters during the Philippine War. General J.C. Bates, a Civil War veteran, was the first commander. Pettit Barracks was located in the fort and the US Army's 43d Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scouts) was stationed at the fort. The Barracks was once considered the US Army's most distant post. The Japanese captured Fort Pilar in 1942 during he Second World War during the Philippine Campaign 1941-42.

Founded as southern outpost of Spanish domain under the supervision of Melchor de Vera, 1635; attacked by the Dutch, 1646; deserted when troops were concentrated in Manila to drive away Chinese pirates, 1663; reconstructed by the Society of Jesus, 1666; rebuilt the management of Juan Sicarra, 1719; stormed by Dalasi, King Bulig, with 3,000 moros, 1720; cannonaded by the British, 1798; witnessed the mutiny of seventy prisoners, 1872; abandoned by the Spaniards, 1898; occupied by the Americans under General J.C. Bates 1899; seized by the Japanese, 1942; taken over by the Republic of the Philippines, July 1946