Governorate of Chiloé

Quick Facts: Who was Governorate of Chiloé?

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Governorate of Chiloé

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A historical political and military subdivision of the Spanish Empire in Chile.

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Origins & Early Life

The Governorate of Chiloé was political and military subdivision of the Spanish Empire that existed, with a 1784–1789 interregnum, from 1567 to 1868. The Governorate of Chiloé depended on the Captaincy General of Chile until the late 18th century when it was made dependent directly on the Viceroyalty of Peru. The administrative change was done simultaneously as the capital of the archipelago was moved from Castro to Ancud in 1768. The last Royal Governor of Chiloé, Antonio de Quintanilla, depended directly on the central government in Madrid. The Governorate of Chiloé had its de jure northern limit a Bueno River in continental Chile.

Career & Major Achievements

There the governorate limited with the territories of Valdivia. The area de facto controlled included the Chiloé Archipelago, the seashore forts and settlements north of Chacao Channel plus the Mission of Nahuel Huapi which was nevertheless financed from Valdivia. Historian Gabriel Guarda do however disagree claiming the Mission of Nahuel Huapi was within the jurisdiction of Valdivia. The so-called juncos of Osorno (Huilliches) attempted in the late 18th century to have their lands, that lied just south of Bueno River, to be removed from the Governorate of Chiloé and incorporated to Valdivia. The reason of this was their bad relation and history of warfare with the settlements of around Chacao Channel.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historian Isidoro Vázquez de Acuña argues that the territory of the settlements on the Atlantic Patagonian coast were under the jurisdiction of Chiloé. On August 13, 1793 Ambrosio O'Higgins sends an official letter to the Viceroy of Peru in which he states: the diligence will always be very important, and will provide the reconnaissance of the heart of those lands, their products, inhabitants and communications, how to introduce those of our possessions on this side of Chiloé with those established or that may be established in Puerto Deseado, San Julián, and Bahía Sin Fondo, points that Your Excellency knows very well and knows it is convenient for us to occupy for the security of these domains and to prevent harmful attempts by foreigners. At that time, maps and documents made by Spanish officials coexisted that were contradictory, with some placing the Andes mountain range as the eastern boundary of Chile and others on the Atlantic Ocean. All 17th century Royal Governors were named by the Royal Governor of Chile. In the 18th century this system changed and while still named by the Royal Governor of Chile the position were to be ratified by the King of Spain.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1768: 1768 Milestone — The administrative change was done simultaneously as the capital of the archipelago was moved from Castro to Ancud in 1768.
2. 1784: 1784 Milestone — The Governorate of Chiloé was political and military subdivision of the Spanish Empire that existed, with a 1784–1789 interregnum, from 1567 to 1868.
3. 1793: 1793 Milestone — On August 13, 1793 Ambrosio O'Higgins sends an official letter to the Viceroy of Peru in which he states: the diligence will always be very important, and will provide the reconnaissance of the heart of those lands, their products, inhabitants and communications, how to introduce those of our possessions on this side of Chiloé with those established or that may be established in Puerto Deseado, San Julián, and Bahía Sin Fondo, points that Your Excellency knows very well and knows it is convenient for us to occupy for the security of these domains and to prevent harmful attempts by foreigners.

Notable Quotes by Governorate of Chiloé

“the diligence will always be very important, and will provide the reconnaissance of the heart of those lands...” (1793)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Governorate of Chiloé

True or False: “The Governorate of Chiloé was continuously administered by a single governing body from its inception until 1868.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Its administration changed significantly; it initially depended on the Captaincy General of Chile before being made directly dependent on the Viceroyalty of Peru.

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