Santiago, Chile

Santiago (officially in Spanish Santiago de Chile) is Chile's capital and largest city, located at {{coor dms|33|26|16|S|70|39|02|W}}. It is situated in the country's central valley, and administratively is a part of the Santiago Metropolitan Region. While Santiago is the capital, legislative bodies meet in nearby Valparaiso.

History

Santiago was founded by Pedro de Valdivia on February 12, 1541 with the name Santiago de Nueva Extremadura. The founding ceremony was held on Huelén Hill (later renamed Cerro Santa Lucía). Valdivia chose the location of Santiago because of its moderate climate and the ease with which it could be defended?the Mapocho River split the area in two, and rejoined further downstream, forming an island.

Related Topics:
Pedro de Valdivia - February 12 - 1541 - Cerro Santa Lucía - Mapocho River

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The first buildings were erected with the help of the native Picunche Indians. The south bank of the Mapocho River was later drained and converted into a public promenade, known as the Alameda (now Avenida Alameda Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins). The city was slightly damaged during the War of Independence (1810?18), in the Battle of Maipú, which was fought south-west of the city. Santiago was named capital in 1818.

Related Topics:
Picunche - War of Independence - 1810 - 18 - Battle of Maipú

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During the early 19th century, Santiago remained a small town with few buildings excepting Palacio de La Moneda, the building used as the Chilean mint during the Spanish period, and a few churches and other civic buildings. In the 1880s extraction of nitrate fertilizer in Northern Chile brought prosperity to the country, and promoted the capital city's development. Important landmarks were built in 1910 during the Centennial celebrations of independence from Spain, such as the National Library and the Museum of Fine Arts.

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Santiago began its transformation to a modern city in the 1930s, with the building of the Barrio Cívico, surrounding El Palacio de La Moneda. The city also grew in population, due to migration from the north and south of Chile.

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In 1985 an earthquake destroyed some historically significant buildings in the downtown area.

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Santiago is now often considered an important financial center in Latin America.

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