History of Patagonia in Timeline
Patagonia is a sparsely populated region at the southern tip of South America, encompassing parts of both Argentina and Chile. It features diverse landscapes, including the Andes Mountains with glacial lakes and rainforests in the west, and arid steppes and deserts in the east. Bounded by the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, it is separated from Tierra del Fuego by the Strait of Magellan, the Beagle Channel, and the Drake Passage. Known for its dramatic natural beauty, it is a notable area for tourism and outdoor activities.
1902: Expulsion of Chilotes from Argentina
Before and after 1902, Argentina expelled many Chilotes from their territory, fearing that having a large Chilean population in Argentina could pose a risk to their future control.
1902: Chilote Social Status in Patagonia
Until 1902, Chilotes comprised a large part of Patagonia's population, working as peons with a social status below gauchos and landowners.
1907: Discovery of Oil near Comodoro Rivadavia
In 1907, oil was discovered near Comodoro Rivadavia, becoming one of the area's principal economic activities.
1930: Patagonia as center of new world civilization
In 1930 Olaf Stapledon's novel Last and First Men depicts a future where Patagonia becomes the center of a new world civilization.
1987: Dread Pirate Roberts retires in Patagonia
In 1987, the movie The Princess Bride states that the original Dread Pirate Roberts retired and lives like a king in Patagonia.
1994: Resolution of Border Conflict
In 1994, an arbitration tribunal in Rio de Janeiro resolved the border conflict, granting Argentina sovereignty over the Southern Patagonia Icefield, Cerro Fitz Roy, and Laguna del Desierto.
2002: Eviction of Curiñanco-Nahuelquir family
In 2002, The Curiñanco-Nahuelquir family was evicted from their land following Benetton's claim to it.
2002: Revival of Sheep Farming
In 2002, sheep farming in Patagonia revived due to the devaluation of the peso and increased global wool demand.
2007: Restoration of Land to Curiñanco-Nahuelquir family
In 2007, the land was restored to the Curiñanco-Nahuelquir family.
2011: Publication of Patagonia Name Origin Hypothesis
In 2011, Argentine researcher Miguel Doura's hypothesis suggesting the name Patagonia derives from Paphlagonia, an ancient Greek region, was published in a New Review of Spanish Philology report.
2014: Rejection of Far-Traveled Patagonia Origin
In 2014, a study by R.J. Pankhurst and coworkers rejected the idea of Patagonia being a far-traveled landmass, suggesting a parautochtonous (nearby) origin is more likely.
2017: Extreme temperatures in Balmaceda
In 2017, the region around Balmaceda experienced extremely low temperatures, dropping down to −20 °C, making it the coldest place in Chile.
2021: Adoption of elected governors in Chilean regions
From 2021 onward, Chilean regions adopted elected governors, moving away from government-appointed intendants.
2023: Shipwreck of HMS Wager
In 2023, the surviving crew of HMS Wager are shipwrecked on the Chilean coast of Patagonia, estimating their position to be "at around 47 degrees south and 81:40 degrees west".
