Chillán Viejo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chillán Viejo
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Statue of Bernardo O'Higgins
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| Country | Chile | |||||
| Region | Ñuble | |||||
| Province | Diguillín | |||||
| Founded | 1895 | |||||
| Government | ||||||
| • Type | Municipality | |||||
| Area | ||||||
| • Total | 291.8 km2 (112.7 sq mi) | |||||
| Elevation | 124 m (407 ft) | |||||
| Population
(2012 Census)
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| • Total | 28,735 | |||||
| • Density | 98.475/km2 (255.05/sq mi) | |||||
| • Urban | 18,827 | |||||
| • Rural | 3,257 | |||||
| Sex | ||||||
| • Men | 10,791 | |||||
| • Women | 11,293 | |||||
| Time zone | UTC−4 (CLT) | |||||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−3 (CLST) | |||||
| Area code(s) | 56 + 42 | |||||
| Climate | Csb | |||||
| Website | Official website: http://www.chillanviejo.cl/ | |||||
Chillán Viejo is a city and a commune in the Diguillín Province of Chile. It is part of the Ñuble Region. In 2002, about 22,084 people lived here. The commune covers an area of about 292 km2 (113 sq mi).
History of Chillán Viejo
Early Beginnings
Chillán Viejo started as a Spanish fort called San Ildefonso in 1565. This was during a fight led by Pedro de Villagra against the Mapuche people. In 1579, Governor Rodrigo de Quiroga ordered a city to be built there.
Founding the City
On June 25, 1580, Martin Ruiz de Gamboa founded the city. He named it San Bartolomé de Chillán y Gamboa. About 50 Spanish people and 60 more in the fort lived there.
Challenges and Rebuilding
The city faced many attacks. In 1599, the Mapuche destroyed it after a big defeat for the Spanish. Governor Francisco de Quiñónez quickly rebuilt it in April 1599.
Later, in 1655, the Mapuche and Pehuenche people forced everyone to leave again. After it was rebuilt, a strong earthquake on March 15, 1657, destroyed it. The city was rebuilt again in 1663.
Another earthquake in 1751, which also ruined old Concepción, damaged Chillán Viejo. A big flood from the Chillán River made things worse. Because of this, the city was moved two years later to where it is today.
Role in Independence
Chillán Viejo became important during the Chilean War of Independence. There was a big fight called the Siege of Chillan from July 15 to August 12, 1813. A Spanish leader, Antonio Pareja, died there in May 1813.
In 1819, a group of royalist fighters called montoneras attacked the city.
Moving to a New Site
Chillán Viejo became the capital of the Chillán Department. But a huge earthquake on February 20, 1835, ruined it again. Most people then moved about 3 km (2 mi) northeast. This new place became the city of Chillán we know today.
People and Population
Understanding Demographics
Demographics is the study of a population. It looks at things like how many people live somewhere, their age, and where they live.
According to the 2002 census (a count of people), Chillán Viejo had 22,084 residents. This included 10,791 men and 11,293 women.
Urban and Rural Life
Most people, about 18,827 (85.3%), lived in urban areas (cities and towns). The rest, 3,257 (14.7%), lived in rural areas (the countryside).
Between 1992 and 2002, the population grew by 32.1%, adding 5,369 people. The 2017 census showed the total population for the commune was 30,907.
Local Identity
People from Chillán Viejo are called Chillanvejano (for a man) or Chillanvejana (for a woman).
Famous People from Chillán Viejo
Two important people were born in Chillán Viejo:
- Francisco Núñez de Pineda y Bascuñán in 1607.
- Bernardo O'Higgins in 1778. He was a key leader in Chile's fight for independence.
How Chillán Viejo is Governed
Local Government
Chillán Viejo is a commune, which is a local area managed by a municipal council. This council is led by an alcalde (mayor). The alcalde is chosen by the people every four years.
The alcalde from 2008 to 2012 was Felipe Alwin Lagos, who was an Independent.
The municipal council members during that time were:
- Pablo Pérez Arostizaga (PDC)
- Susana Martínez Cornejo (RN)
- Rodolfo Gasmuri Sanchez (ILF)
- Jorge Del Pozo Pastenes (PRSD)
- Verónica Knothe Badilla (PDC)
- Rodrigo Arzola Helo (RN)
National Representation
Chillán Viejo is part of a larger area for national elections.
- In the Chamber of Deputies (like a house of representatives), Chillán Viejo is part of the 41st electoral district. This district also includes cities like Chillán, Coihueco, and Yungay. Its representatives were Carlos Abel Jarpa (PRSD) and Rosauro Martínez (RN).
- In the Senate (like a higher house of parliament), Chillán Viejo is part of the 13th senatorial area. Its senators were Victor Pérez Varela (UDI) and Mariano Ruiz-Esquide Jara (PDC).
See also
In Spanish: Chillán Viejo para niños
