History of Tacna

Francisco Antonio De Zela, a royal accountant (similar in function to a modern-day income tax auditor), initiated the push for Peruvian Independence from Spain in 1811 in Tacna, leading to a series of commemorative actions for the city, culminating in the 1828 declaration of Tacna as the “Heroic City” (”La Heroica Ciudad de San Pedro de Tacna”) by President Jose de La Mar.

It was the capital of the short-lived Peru-Bolivian Confederation (1836-1839) Tacna’s economic prosperity attracted a wave of Italian immigrants who arrived in the city during the mid 19th century, which is the reason why many tacnenos have Italian surnames. This era of successful commerce and agriculture ended drastically with the start of the War of the Pacific.

During the war, the cities of Tacna and Arica were invaded by the Chilean Army. A peace agreement, the Treaty of Ancon, was signed in 1883. Under the terms of the treaty, Chile was to occupy the provinces of Tacna and Arica for 10 years, after which a plebiscite was to be held to determine their nationality. Tacna lived a period of captivity for 50 years; the invaders started a campaign of “Chilenization”, whose purpose was to convince the local population of accepting Chile as the new ruling power, and make them lose their Peruvian identity.

Nevertheless, the patriotism of the tacnenos hindered the Chilean attempts of gaining their sympathy, which was needed for getting their vote at the plebiscite. The plebiscite was never held, though. Finally, in 1929, an accord was reached by which Chile kept Arica; Peru reacquired Tacna and received USD 6 million indemnity and other concessions.

Today, Tacna is a mostly commercial city with many immigrants from the Puno Region living there. Its economy is based on mercantile activities with the north of Chile (Arica and Iquique). Since it is part of a duty free zone, Tacna has come to rival Arequipa as southern Peru’s main business area. The city has one of the largest artifact markets in the world, with things from Japan to China, and also traditional Peruvian handicrafts.

Peruvians are able to trace their beginnings to the Tacna region. In the Toquepala Caves, there is evidence of stone aged men living there. They were hunters and were very interested in art and rituals.
In 1535, the first Spaniards who explored the region were part of the Almagro expedition that was organized to conquer Chile.

The favorable climate and conditions in the Tacna region later attracted soldiers and expatriates from Spain looking for a place to settle.

The discovery of the Potosi Mines in the Viceroyalty Era brought people to the area, thus causing the development of the Arica port and the town of Tacna. The uprisings of Zela and Paillardelli against the king’s forces occurred in this area as well.

Due to Tacna’s close proximity to the Chilean border, they were involved in the war with this neighboring country. Since 1884, the southern invaders, due to the questionable Treaty of Ancon, occupied the department of Tacna. This treaty put the people of Tacna and Arica under virtual captivity. For almost 50 years Tacna remained occupied by the Chileans that attempted to influence the Peruvians citizens that resided there. However, the Peruvians were not easily swayed and following a long imprisonment, Tacna was returned to Peru.