The Bridge of Spain was then called "Fuente Espana" (now Jones Bridge) was built in 1632 to allow easier access for the exclusive "peninsulares" living in Intramuros (Manila walled city) via it's Puerta de Isabel II, then driven to Binondo from the foot of the bridge of calle Escolta - (the Spanish word "escortar" to escort, where Escolta got it's name) to be escorted by carruajes, also to cross San Fernando Bridge to go shopping in San Nicolas district.
Bago itatag ni Aquinaldo ang kalayaan, katakot-takot na meeting ang nangyaring isinagawa ni Aquinaldo at kaniyang mga “self exile” na mga rebolusyonaryo (pagkatapos ng Pack of Biak na Bato); Gregorio del Pilar, Isidoro de los Santos, Jose Leyba at mga Amerikanong consul at Consul General E. Spenser Pratt. Idinaos ang unang meeting noong Abril 24, 1898, sa isang “Pub” na kung tawagin ay “Mansion River” sa Singapore.