Puerto Bolívar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Puerto Bolívar
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| Country |  Ecuador |
| Province | El Oro |
| Canton | Machala |
| Founded | December 18, 1883 (as Puerto Bolívar) |
| Elevation | 6 m (20 ft) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (PET) |
| Website | https://www.puertobolivar.gob.ec/ |
Puerto Bolívar is a busy port city in Ecuador, located in the El Oro Province. It is part of the larger city of Machala. This port is super important for shipping bananas, especially to Europe. About 80% of all the bananas grown in Ecuador are sent out to the world from here!
Contents
History of Puerto Bolívar
The story of Puerto Bolívar began a long time ago, even before it had its current name.
Early Port Days
Under Spanish rule, there was an early port called Puerto Pilo. Later, in 1783, its name changed to Puerto Machala. This was a simple place where ships could dock, but it quickly became a key trading spot between Machala and another big city, Guayaquil.
After a time when cacao (used to make chocolate!) became very popular in Ecuador, the old port started to fill up with sand and mud. So, in 1869, leaders in Ecuador decided to build a new port. They chose a spot near Jambelí island and called it Puerto Huaylá. A proper dock was built there in 1879.
Becoming Puerto Bolívar
On December 18, 1883, the port was officially opened with a new name: Puerto Bolívar. This name honored Simón Bolívar, a famous leader who helped many South American countries gain independence. Around the same time, a railroad was built to connect the port to Machala, making it easier to move goods.
The port became even more important on April 13, 1897, when it was named a Major Port. A main dock was added in 1902. This dock and the railroad created the first way to move goods using both trains and ships between the El Oro and Guayas regions.
Puerto Bolívar and the Ecuadorian–Peruvian War
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In July 1941, a conflict broke out between Ecuador and Peru. During this time, Peruvian soldiers took control of Puerto Bolívar on July 27. This event was special because it was the first time in the Americas that paratroopers (soldiers who jump from planes) were used in a battle!
After the war, the region of El Oro grew a lot, especially in farming. This helped the local economy. The port was made even bigger between 1964 and 1968 so it could handle more exports to other countries. A special group called the port authority was set up in 1970 to manage everything.
In 1998, Ecuador and Peru signed a peace agreement. This led to more trade between the two countries. More cargo started moving through Puerto Bolívar, especially from northern Peru, heading to markets in North America and Europe. There was even a plan to link Puerto Bolívar with the port of Paita in Peru to boost trade even more!
See also
In Spanish: Puerto Bolívar (Ecuador) para niños
- Refrigerator ships
- United Fruit Company
