History
1541-Pedro de Valdivia, a Spanish conquistador, founds Santiago. After camping out for several months on Cerro Santa Lucia, Valdivia marched his men down the hill to the banks of the Mapocho River and proclaimed the area a colonial city of Spain.
17th and 18th centuries- growth in Santiago is slow. In 1800, the population was approximately 30,000 with just 2000 mud brick houses.
1810-Napoleon invades Spain and dethrones King Ferdinand. Spaniards are angry and create junta governments, ignoring the Napoleonic king, who just happened to be Napoleon’s brother. Following suit, Chileans talk the Spanish governor into stepping down. A political junta is formed in Chile.
1813-Angered by Chile’s actions, Spain invades Chile. The
War of Independence, partly inspired by the American Revolution, drags on
for several years.1818-Chile declares independence from Spain and Santiago is named the capitol of the new country.
Mid-19th century-The urban bourgeoisie set about improving the city’s appearance. They build large European style mansions in the core of the city, replacing the traditional one story homes centered around an inner courtyard. There is also a large scale public works movement. Wealthy Santiaguinos build a large opera house, begin work on Cerro Santa Lucia’s gardens, and add a large tower to the cathedral.
1890’s- Middle classes begin to leave the central city, opting to live in suburban homes, where more space is available.
20th century-growth continues until the Great Depression. Chile is hit hard as demand for produce exports wanes. Simultaneously, the market for nitrate, Chile’s main export at this time, dries up. Without their main cash export, the Chilean economy is hit hard.
1930-1980 Santiago city proper’s population falls from one million to 230,000 as migration to the suburbs continues.