The history of Moquegua dates back to the 16th century with the arrival of the Spanish colonizers. Although there is no agreement on the exactness of the date, the first settlement is believed to have been in 1537.
Other records establish that the foundation of Moquegua took place formally on November 25, 1541, under the name of Villa Santa Catalina de Moquegua, by Pedro Cansino and his wife Josefina de Bilbao.
origins
The Spanish settlers of San Sebastián de Escapagua and Santa Catalina de Alejandría, located on each side of the Tambapaya River, filed a complaint with Don Francisco Borja y Aragón, then XII Viceroy of Peru.
The result of this litigation was in favor of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Thanks to this decision, this town was formally founded under the name of Santa Catalina de Guadalcázar del Valle de Moquegua in the year 1625.
Magnificent temples and lots were built in the city, which already had a council and a series of ranks that gave it well-deserved importance.
This area was noted for its great production of wines and piscos for the rest of the Peruvian territory and other countries on the continent.
Colonial period
During the first half of the seventeenth century, Moquegua acquired the category of department. It then had a commercial and maritime port thanks to its ideal location in the western part of Peru and its direct view of the Pacific Ocean.
During the colonial period, Moquegua remained in wine production. Wheat was also grown and several mills were established to process it.
Its ports saw the arrival and departure of large numbers of ships, including the famous English pirate Francis Drake.
Republican era
Years later, during the republican era, Moquegua played an important role in defending the independence and sovereignty of Peru, proclaimed in 1821.
The battle of Torata and the battle of Moquegua, both carried out in January 1923, were decisive for the patriotic forces led by General Rudecindo Alvarado against the forces of the Spanish monarchy.
The battles were a few days apart, with devastating consequences for the independence forces.
Both were great military victories for the Royal Army of Peru but they served as great strategic learning that they later applied in the battle of Junín and in the battle of Ayacucho, which took place 3 years later in another department north of Moquegua.
This independence from Spanish rule allowed the city to advance in its development, despite its participation in other confrontations such as the restorative battles and the Pacific War.
Current era
At present the department of Moquegua has a growing tourist development thanks to its good climate and a great development in mining, agriculture and industries.
Most of the colonial buildings that are still standing after the earthquakes and wars are tourist attractions, such as the Bethlehem Church, the Augustine Church and some original wheat mills of the time.
The production of piscos in Moquegua dates back to colonial times and today it continues to be one of its main activities along with the production of sweets.
References
- Provincial Municipality Mariscal Nieto - munimoquegua.gob.pe
- Wikipedia - Moquegua en.wikipedia.org
- Historical brief of Moquegua - moqueguaperu.com
- Matalaque history - matalaque.com
- Pieces of the history of Moquegua - casadelaculturamoquegua.com