Chillán
[key], city, Biobío region, S central Chile. It was formerly the
capital of Ñuble prov. Located in Chile's central valley, the city is
a leading agricultural and commercial center as well as a gateway to Andean
ski resorts. Agricultural products include wine, grain, fruit, vegetables,
lumber, flour, and farm animals; footwear is manufactured. Founded in the
16th cent., it was destroyed by earthquake and flood in 1751 but was rebuilt
and played a prominent role in the revolution against Spain. Bernardo
O'Higgins, the
liberator of Chile, was born in Chillán. One of the world's worst
earthquakes leveled Chillán in 1939, claiming 10,000 lives.
Subsequently rebuilt, the city suffered significant damage in the 2010
earthquake.
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