U.S. Fortifies Puerto Rico-Spending $30,000,000 - An aerial view of the old El Morro Fortress here, which was built in 1538 and is now headquarters for the 65th U.S. Infantry. The fort, which is useless for defense purposes today, contrasts with the modern Army and Navy bases that are being rushed to completion here at a cost of $30,000,000. Puerto Rico is being heavily fortified because of its strategic location with respect to the Panama Canal and Europe. The new Fortifications will be finished by next Spring. It is reported *****. October 22, 1939. (Photo by Wide World Photo).