Zamboanga City History - Photo Gallery of Zamboanga's Historical Past

This is one of a many great finds for the ever increasing picture treasure trove of Zamboanga's ancient history, helping us capture a visual representation of what the storied place looked like then.  It also shows what kind of activities where happening around the old town of Samboanga during this time period.  The above French artist went on a global cruise with a flotilla of French warships, capturing their experiences in his paintings.  This old painting entitled "Guard House in Zamboanga, Island of Mindanao" shows a tall nipa guard house, on the beachfront of the Chavacano village next to the Fort of Zamboanga - Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragosa.  The tall masts of a few ships can be seen beyond the walled fortification made out of what looks like lumber, surrounding the Chavacano village with its densely situated nipa houses along the main street, in the vicinity where Valderoza Street is now situated.  The year of this painting is shown as 1846.  If anyone can add to the story of this scenery painting, please contact the webmaster.  We'd appreciate your input.

photo courtesy: National Library of Australia