Concepción
[key], city, capital of Biobío region, S central Chile, near the
mouth of the Biobío River. It is an industrial and commercial center
and Chile's third largest city. Its port, Talcahuano, just north of the city,
ships the products of the surrounding rich agricultural region.
Concepción's industries produce glass, textiles, sugar, lumber,
hides, and steel. More than 80% of the country's coal comes from nearby
mines. Founded in 1550 by Pedro de Valdivia, the Spanish conqueror of
Chile, the city was besieged and destroyed by the Araucanian chief Lautaro in 1554–55. It was
completely destroyed by earthquakes in 1570, 1730, 1751, 1835, and 1939 and
was severely damaged in 1960 and 2010. Its numerous rebuildings have given
Concepción a modern appearance. Points of interest include the Plaza
Independencia and a university.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: South American Political Geography
