Introduction

The port of Mahón on the island of Minorca was the first official American naval base in the Mediterranean. Its great natural harbour and strategic position in the western Mediterranean early attracted American attention. As a result, the relationship between Minorca and the United States was intense in the nineteenth century, especially until 1876 after which the American consulate at Mahón lost much of its importance. This essay will analyze four basic aspects of this relationship. First, we will present a synthesis of the historical evolution of Minorca in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to contextualize the reasons for American interest. Second, we will look at the United States consulate in Mahón and its functions. Next, we will examine the role of the port of Mahón as an American naval base. Finally, we will evaluate the social, economic, ideological and cultural influence of the American naval presence on the island. Although some works have been written on this subject, the American presence in Minorca is almost unknown in Spain and even on the island itself. Indeed, with the notable exception of Admiral Farragut, who is well known, especially in the town of Ciutadella where he is regarded as an illustrious son, the American role has faded into the mists of history.

Minorca and Port Mahon until 1850

Minorca is located in the centre of the western Mediterranean at the intersection of maritime routes between Spain and Italy, on one hand, and France and Algeria on the other. It has an area of 700 square kilometres and had a population of about 31,000 in 1800. The value of the island lies in the great natural harbour of Mahón, considered one of the best in the Mediterranean. Early American visitors lauded the harbour's virtues. Walter Colton, for example, in 1851 provided a very eloquent description of the security of the port: