"Reina Cristina" Warship

In 1880, the Spanish government approved the construction of three first-rate warships with iron hulls for the Spanish Navy. The warships were to be built at the El Ferrol and Cartagena shipyards, as part of Tomás de Tallerie's project, and destined for the Philippine fleet. On August 12, 1881, keels were attached to the "Reina Cristina" and "Alfonso XII." However, supply problems at the iron and steel companies caused a significant delay. The "Reina Cristina" entered service in 1890 and a year later was on the way to the Philippines. It was Admiral Patricio Montojo's flagship at the Battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898 between the American and Spanish naval fleets, which marked the end of the Spanish presence in these waters.