The construction of Fort San Felipe, ordered by the governor of Yucatán, Antonio de Figueroa y Silva, began in 1725 and concluded in 1733. The architectural project had its origin because at that time, Bacalar was constantly plundered by English pirates, French, Dutch, African, white and oriental. During the Caste War the fort was taken by the insurgent indigenous people on February 21, 1858. Over the years it had various military uses, until in 1965 one of its four bastions was adapted as a museum and declared National Historical Heritage . Since 1974, the last year of Quintana Roo as a territory, the museum remained closed until it was reopened in 1983. The museographic concept was in charge of the architect Jorge Agostoni, from the Compañía Museoográfico, S.C. Its collection is made up of Mayan archaeological pieces and objects from the colonial era, such as weapons, ammunition and everyday utensils, as well as plans, maps and information cards. It exhibits a mural by master Elio Carmichael, in which you can see the most relevant historical events in the region. It has a craft store. It organizes guided tours, concerts, conferences and sculpture, music and painting workshops aimed at children and young people.