Atacama Region, Chile

Huasco: p.1 │p.2 │ History │ FFCC Huasco

deutsch  / español / english

History:
In his early years Huasco was visited several times by pirates. Around 1600 the pirate Olivero van Noort arrived in Huasco without causing any incidents. In 1661 the pirate Bartolomé Sharp arrives in Huasco and steals 120 sheeps and 80 goats.

Since 1830 Huasco has been pushing the industrial development of the region. For example, in 1838, 31 ships with mineral cargo leave the port of Huasco, 4 ships came from Hamburg. Mining in the nearby sectors is causing strong growth in the port. In 1865 Huasco has 1,774 inhabitants. 1892 the Huasco - Vallenar railway line was built (Here). 1909 the telephone line between Huasco and San Félix was established.

The earthquake in 1922 nearly destroyed Huasco completely. But in 1923 the electrical lighting was installed in Huasco.

To this day, Huasco plays a very important role in the industrial development of the Atacama Region: The iron pellet factory near Huasco (1978) and the thermoelectric plant "Guacolda".

In the same way as Vallenar, the city of Huasco increases its population considerably from 1960 onwards. The installation of the iron industry obviously produces a population increase in the city at this time.

Information of Huasco:

Statistics of Atacama - Huasco:
Urban Huasco:
6,445 inhabitants (2002, Huasco commune, urban) (source: INE)
6,072 inhabitants (1992, Huasco, urban) (source: INE)
5,646 inhabitants (1982) Source (*1)
4,449 inhabitants (1970)Source (*1)
2,432 inhabitants (1960) Source (*1)
1,148 inhabitants (1952) Source (*1)
1,537 inhabitants (1940) Source (*1)
417 inhabitants (1920) Source (*1)
1,567 inhabitants (1907) Source (*1)
757 inhabitants (1895) Source (*1)
353 inhabitants (1875) (source: Census 1875).

Source (*1): Visión Atacama, 1986
more statistic data