Chapultepec
a rocky elevation about 3 miles S. W. of the City of Mexico. From this point at an early day water was brought in an aqueduct to the city, but no buildings were placed on it until about 1785, when the Viceroy of Mexico, Galvez, began the erection of a palace in the form of a fort, or castle, and intended for a stronghold as well as a residence. It was left unfinished until after the revolution. When the republic was formed, part of the building was used for a military school and the National Astronomical Observatory was erected on the hill. During the war with the United States, Gen. Pillow stormed the castle, Sept. 13, 1847. The Emperor Maximilian made Chapultepec his principal palace, and it is now occupied by the president, the portions used by the school and observatory, however, being still reserved for them. There is a beautiful park surrounding the hill, which is a favorite resort for the residents of the city.