Chapultepec Castle is a magnificent late 18th-century structure (1785–1787) designed as a country retreat on the orders of Bernardo de Gálvez, Viceroy of New Spain. Over time, however, the building has been modified several times to suit its various uses. It served as the headquarters of the Military Academy, was the scene of battles during the U.S. invasion, served as the imperial residence of Maximilian and Carlota, and was the residence of several Mexican leaders. Finally, by presidential decree, General Lázaro Cárdenas ordered in 1939 that the Castle, located at the highest point of Chapultepec Forest, serve as a museum dedicated to preserving collections and artifacts from figures in Mexican history. The building opened its doors for this purpose in September 1944.