21 de mayo

This is one of the streets that we drive on here in Coyhaique. I have often said that one great way to learn Chilean history is to just study the names of their main streets. This morning I did a little research about some of the streets that I've personally seen in Chile: Arturo Prat, 21 de Mayo, and the Guerra del Pacífico.

21 de mayo/May 21st, was the day that the Navy Officer Arturo Prat died. His death took place during the battle of Iquique. He died courageously by jumping from his sinking naval ship, the Esmeralda, onto the Peruvian ship which had collided with it. This battle occurred during the War of the Pacific which was a war with Chile against Bolivia and Peru. Arturo Prat is a celebrated war hero in Chile and he is commemorated by streets, town squares, schools, and navy vessels being named after him. You also find his face on the $10,000 peso bill.