History of Patagonia in Timeline
Patagonia, located at the southern tip of South America, is a geographically diverse region shared between Argentina and Chile. It features the southern Andes Mountains, complemented by a variety of landscapes including lakes, fjords, temperate rainforests, glaciers, deserts, tablelands, and steppes. Bordered by both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Patagonia also encompasses significant waterways like the Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, and Drake Passage.
1902: Expulsion of Chilotes and the Founding of Balmaceda
Following the establishment of boundaries in 1902, Argentina expelled a significant number of Chilotes from its territory. This expulsion stemmed from concerns about the potential impact of a large Chilean population on Argentina's future control over the region. The displaced workers then established Balmaceda, the first inland Chilean settlement in what is now the Aysén Region. Facing a lack of suitable grasslands in the heavily forested area, the immigrants resorted to burning the forest, resulting in massive fires that burned for extended periods.
1902: Social Dynamics and Labor in Early 20th Century Patagonia
In the early 20th century, up until 1902, Patagonia's population consisted largely of Chilotes, natives of the Chiloé Archipelago. These individuals primarily worked as laborers on large estancias, placing them lower on the social hierarchy than the gauchos and the landowners.
1907: Discovery of Oil Transforms Patagonia's Economy
The discovery of oil near Comodoro Rivadavia in 1907 marked a turning point for Patagonia's economy. This discovery added a significant new industry alongside existing activities such as mining, whaling, livestock farming, and agriculture.
1930: Patagonia as a Future Civilization in Literature
Olaf Stapledon's 1930 science fiction novel, "Last and First Men," presented a thought-provoking vision of Patagonia's future. In the novel, Patagonia eventually becomes the heart of a new global civilization, while Europe and North America decline into poverty and backwardness.
1987: Patagonia as a Haven for the Retired in Pop Culture
The 1987 film "The Princess Bride" included a humorous reference to Patagonia as a place of retirement for legends. In the movie, Westley, who has assumed the mantle of the Dread Pirate Roberts, reveals that the original Dread Pirate Roberts is living a life of luxury in Patagonia.
1994: Argentina Awarded Disputed Patagonian Territories
A long-standing border dispute between Argentina and Chile in Patagonia was resolved in 1994 through international arbitration. The tribunal, based in Rio de Janeiro, ruled in favor of Argentina, granting it sovereignty over the Southern Patagonia Icefield, Cerro Fitz Roy, and Laguna del Desierto.
2002: Land Conflicts and the Curiñanco-Nahuelquir Family
In 2002, the Curiñanco-Nahuelquir family, traditional inhabitants of Patagonia, were evicted from their land following a claim by the Benetton Group. This event highlighted the ongoing conflicts over land ownership in the region, pitting foreign investors against local communities.
2002: Sheep Farming Revival in Patagonia
The year 2002 witnessed a resurgence in Patagonia's sheep farming industry. This revival was driven by a combination of factors, including the devaluation of the peso and a surge in global demand for wool, particularly from China and the EU.
2007: Resolution of Land Dispute with Curiñanco-Nahuelquir Family
After a five-year struggle, the Curiñanco-Nahuelquir family successfully reclaimed their land from the Benetton Group in 2007. This victory represented a significant moment in the ongoing battle for land rights in Patagonia, demonstrating the resilience of local communities in the face of powerful corporate interests.
2011: Origin of the Name Patagonia
In 2011, Argentine researcher Miguel Doura posited that the name Patagonia, given to the region by Magellan in 1520, might be linked to the ancient Greek region of Paphlagonia. This theory suggests that the name was inspired by the "patagon personage" in the chivalric romances Primaleon, published in 1512.
2014: Geological Origin of Patagonia Debated
In 2014, a study by R.J. Pankhurst and colleagues challenged the existing theory that the Patagonian landmass originated from Antarctica. They argued against the idea of a far-traveled Patagonia, proposing instead that it likely formed closer to its current location.
2021: Chile Implements Elected Governors in Patagonia
A significant political shift occurred in 2021 when Chile introduced elected governors for its regions, including those in Patagonia. This move marked a departure from the previous system of government-appointed intendants, granting greater autonomy to the regions.
2023: Publication of "The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder"
In 2023, David Grann's non-fiction book, "The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder," recounts the harrowing experience of the surviving crew of HMS Wager, who found themselves shipwrecked on the Chilean coast of Patagonia, estimating their location to be approximately 47 degrees south and 81:40 degrees west.