Mezcala Island, located in Lake Chapala, has played a significant role throughout the history of Mexico. This island housed a fort which held off the Spaniards in 1821. The war lasted four years and it was the indigenous insurgents who cleverly held off the Spaniards from taking what was rightfully their land. Following the war, the Spaniards became friends and helped the indigenous people with resettlement. Years later Mezcala island became a prison, housing nearly 800 inmates. Today the buildings are restored.There is a small museum in the town of Mezcala with unique artifacts supporting historical findings. There is a chapel and tannery next to the fort.