Rock of Gibraltar

The Phoenicians called this rock Alube, a name which the Greeks corrupted into Kalube, and the English into Calpe. The name as interpreted means "The night watch."

In classical literature, Calpe is the European and Abyla the African pillar of Hercules. These pillars marked the limit of men's navigation of the seas. The Romans, before the time of Augustus, never ventured beyond the pillars of Hercules. The name "Gibraltar" comes from the one-eyed Berber or Moorish conqueror, Gebal-Tarik, who landed there April 30th, 711, and, to commemorate his first victory, called the giant rock by his own name, his name being retained in the modern Gibraltar. The Moors retained it in 1333, but it was finally recovered by the Spaniards in 1462, and a "key" was then added to the Spanish Arms, this pillar being the key to the Mediterranean.

The sagacious Cromwell had his eye upon this rock as a point which the British ought to possess, and thoughtful Englishmen never forgot the suggestion of Cromwell. During the War of the Spanish Succession, in the reign of Queen Anne, the British Admiral Sir George Brooke suddenly attacked and took the fort, and secured possession of the whole rock, July 24th, 1704. Later the rock was offered to Spain as a compensation if she would refuse to sell Florida to Napoleon; the offer was refused, and Gibraltar has remained a British possession since 1704. In 1779 it withstood a four years's siege. The advisability of abandoning Gibraltar has been frequently discussed, on account of the immense expense incurred in time of peace in holding this "Pearl of Ocean's Crown." It cost fifty million pounds sterling to construct the present defenses, and in these days of modern warfare its value is comparatively small as a rock of defense. Nevertheless, it is quite certain that public sentiment will insist upon retaining Gibraltar. Burke's words still find an echo in every British heart. He said: "It is a post of power, a post of superiority, of connection, of commerce, which makes us valuable to our friends and dreadful to our enemies." When closely seen, the rock is covered with rich tropical vegetation; at a distance it has the appearance of a "lion couchant, " its head turned toward Spain in watchful attitude.

The highest point is El Hacho, or "the signal;" here were lighted the beacons in case of danger. From this station every ship that passes the strait is signalled and reported to the Governor below, and by him to London.

The panorama from El Hacho is unrivalled. It is said that ships can be distinguished forty miles away. To visit the fortifications requires a permit, which is very difficult to obtain. The galleries excavated along the northern front, tier upon tier, contain guns of every caliber; they are so constructed that the smoke rapidly disappears. The skillful engineering of these tunnels is considered to have no equal in any part of the world. The circumference of the rock is six miles. One of the extreme ends of the rock is Europa Point, where great batteries are erected; at the opposite end is the strip of neutral ground that divides the British possessions from Spain. Between the fortifications and the neutral ground the British have planted mines which can be exploded instantly in case of attack, and the ground can be submerged near the dividing lines. British and Spanish sentries keep guard.

Gibraltar is the only place in Europe where wild monkeys are found. They live among the rocks, and sport about in almost inaccessible heights.