Grande Island History

Grande Island holds historical significance as a defense fort that protected the Philippines for four centuries.  It was first occupied by the Spanish Empire and in 1885, was fortified as an island fortress together with its port city, Grande Island then became the key to the overall defense of Manila.  The Spanish ascertained that if Subic Bay was controlled by an enemy, it could easily be made into a support base which could expedite the attack and captivity of Manila.

The Spanish were correct in judging that Subic Bay was the key to protecting Manila.  In 1898, the U.S. Navy led by Admiral Dewey, attacked Manila Bay before the Spanish could complete their fortification of Grande Island.  The American gunboats Raleigh and Concord, together with Filipino insurgence troops, captured Grande and Subic.  With the signing of a peace treaty between Spain and the U.S., Subic Bay was then left largely undisturbed.

1n 1905, the U.S. Army purchased Grande Island and began arming it.  It was given the name Fort Wint in honor of Brigadier General Theodore J. Wint, U.S. Army.  Guns were mounted in the batteries.  The batteries were assigned the following names: Warwick (10-inch guns), Woodruff and Hall (6-inch guns), and Jewell & Flake (3-inch guns).  To this day, the remains of these batteries and some of their cannons can be seen on Grande Island.

When Manila fell during World War II, the Japanese abandoned Subic Bay to protect Manila.  In December 1944, the U.S. captured Subic Bay without firing a single shot.  The Americans then preserve natural relaxation island. Now it is call Grande Island Resort.

Birth of a Resort

Grande Island and Chiquita Island is a protected natural habitat for marine and other wildlife island, best for families, groups and individuals who love nature and enjoy the breeze of the natural sea, away from the city noises and pollutions, safe and relaxing. It is located in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines. It is operated by GFTG Property Holdings Corporation.

» Back to Top