Fort Loreto was the other main defensive position, besides Fort Guadalupe, at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
The two forts occupied elevated ground near Puebla and gave Mexican defenders a strong position against the French advance. Their artillery and location were important because attacking troops had to move uphill while facing organized fire.
On May 5, French forces launched several attacks against the Mexican line. The defenders held the forts and surrounding positions, forcing the French army to abandon its effort and retreat toward Orizaba. The result was an important Mexican victory even though France later renewed the campaign.
Fort Loreto is sometimes confused with Fort Guadalupe because both names appear together in accounts of Cinco de Mayo. Loreto was the older fortification and is now associated with a museum and historic site in Puebla.