"The Monument Of Independence" Valparaíso Things to Do Tip by VeronicaG

Spanish explorers came to Chile in 1536 and are believed to be the first Europeans to set foot on shore. Spain controlled Chile until Bernardo O'Higgins, a South American revolutionary hero, helped this country attain its independence in 1817 by way of a famous calvary charge at the Battle of Chacabuco. (History provided by wikipedia.org)

Encircling the monument are the names of those who participated in the War of Independence, forever etched on its stone walls as a reminder of their heroism. We took time to read the names and wondered what part that individual played in this decisive battle.

The square in which this monument sits is large and open--overseen by the Naval Academy which rises imposingly at one end.