LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 203rd Anniversary of Chile's
first national government on September 18, 2013

WHEREAS, 10,000 years ago, southward migrating Indians settled in the
fertile valleys and along the Coast of Chile; Chile was shortly ruled,
in part, by the Incan empire, but proved too barren for extensive
settlement; and
WHEREAS, Spanish conquest began in the 1500s when Diego de Almagro and
later Pedro de Valdivia encountered hundreds of thousands of Indians;
and
WHEREAS, Santiago, the long-standing seat of Chilean government was
founded in February of 1541; and
WHEREAS, Although the Spanish did not find the extensive gold and
silver they sought, they recognized the agricultural potential of
Chile's central valley, and Chile became part of the Viceroyalty of
Peru; and
WHEREAS, Due to the weakening of Spain during the Napoleonic wars,
Chile, like most Spanish colonies, began their own quest for sovereign-
ty; and
WHEREAS, A national junta in the name of Ferdinand formed on September
18, 1810, proclaiming Chile an autonomous republic within the Spanish
monarchy, though a movement for full independence was supported by most
of Chile; and
WHEREAS, Spanish attempts to regain control during what was called the
"Reconquista" led to a prolonged struggle; intermittent warfare contin-
ued until 1817, when an army led by Bernardo O'Higgins, Chile's most
renowned patriot, and Jose de San Martin, hero of Argentine independ-
ence, crossed the Andes into Chile and defeated the royalists; and
WHEREAS, On February 12, 1818, Chile, an independent republic, was
proclaimed and led by Bernardo O'Higgins, though Chile continues to
honor September 18, 1810, the day of separation from Spanish rule, as
their national holiday; and
WHEREAS, Many Chileans have made New York their home, and this Legis-
lative Body is justly proud to thank the Chilean people for their
contributions to this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 203rd Anniversary of Chile's first national government
on September 18, 2013.