The coastal area of the Atacama Region

Caldera: p.1 | p.2 | p.3  | p.4 | FFCC | History

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Caldera's development began with the construction of the Railroad towards Copiapó in 1851. The port of Caldera has many geographical advantages for sailing boats compared to the old port of Copiapó (Puerto Viejo). Caldera was the gateway to the Atacama Region for many travelers. The railway environment produced high labor demands in train-related industries. For example, in 1852 a misalignment machine was built to supply the steam locomotives and to improve the quality of drinking water for the inhabitants. In 1854 Caldera has 2,000 inhabitants (Copiapó has a little more than 12,000 in the same year).
In 1870 Caldera is listed as the second most important port of Chile.

In 1900 there is a submarine telephone cable from Caldera to the USA and Europe. The Atacama Region finally enters the globalized world. For local mining entrepreneurs it is a big advantage because metal prices are now coming directly from the stock exchanges in London and New York to the entrepreneur. At the same time Germany had a consulate in Caldera.

Unfortunately, from the 1920s onwards, luck left the city. In 1922 a tsunami destroyed large parts of the city, 1923 closed the railway repair plant and 1925 the submarine cable was left out of service.

In the former consulate of England, then customs of the port, is today the seat of the University of Atacama. There is a small exhibition of historical documents and some minerals.