What is the term for a fort or military outpost established by the Spanish in New Spain?

The term for a fort or military outpost established by the Spanish in New Spain is "Presidio." Presidio refers specifically to the fortified military establishments that served as bases for Spanish soldiers, providing protection for missions, settlers, and the surrounding communities. These outposts were critical in maintaining Spanish control over their territories, defending against both indigenous resistance and foreign threats.

Missions, while also part of Spanish colonial strategy, primarily focused on religious and cultural conversion rather than military purposes. They were often established alongside presidios, but they did not serve as fortified military installations. The terms "fortress" and "outpost" can denote similar concepts but are not used specifically within the context of Spanish colonial terminology. "Fortress" implies a larger, fortified structure, while "outpost" is broader and can refer to any forward position without the specific military connotation of a presidio.