Spaanse Water was a strategically important location. In 1703, Fort Beekenburg was constructed on the Caracas Bay to protect the natural harbour and the back route to
Willemstad. The fort was built by Nicolaas van Beek who at the time served as Director of Curaçao. It has been attacked several times by the French, English, and pirates, but has never been conquered. The fort used to be owned by Royal Dutch Shell, but since 2005, it is publicly accessible. In 1915, a calcium mine was added to the site. The mines are still active, and the mining company has estimated that the reserves will last until 2045. In 1927,
Royal Dutch Shell built an oil terminal in Spaanse Water. The oil terminal closed in 2005. ==References==