In 1741 San Felipe de Barajas was the scene of a landmark in the history of Cartagena de Indias, the defeat of the numerous army put together by Vernon on the outskirts of the hill. After laying siege to the city and its bay for more than a month, having defeated the forts of Bocachica and others in the inner bay, he decided to attack the castle. The English offensive on the better-defended flank was a grave strategic error, which, together with the audacious defense of the fortress, avoided its being taken by the numerous enemy troops, already weakened by tropical illness. The victory at San Felipe de Barajas avoided the taking of the city, thereby maintaining Hispanic preeminence in the Caribbean and South America.

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