Mining history of the Atacama Region, Chile

Chañarcillo: p.1 - p.2 - p. 3 - cemetery

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With the discovery of Chañarcillo (1832) the town of Juan Godoy was formed. In 1845 the President of the Republic legalized the people. In the better times, up to 7000 people lived here. The most serious problems were the lack of drinking water and the general behaviour of some inhabitants. Assaults, robberies and burglaries were common these days.

Duels and gambling debts were normal. In 1841 alcohol, firearms, gambling and single women were banned in the vicinity of the mine. In 1875 a school of exploitation was opened in Chañarcillo (here, Spanish).

With the decrease in production at the mine, the city of Juan Godoy was depopulated. 1885 only 1450 people were counted in John Godoy. Due to diseases and climatic problems, the village quickly became completely depopulated.