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In
the valleys of Trujillo and its surroundings the old history of the
region is being reconstructed from the Times of the Paiján period of
hunters and harpoon fishermen (10,000 B.C.), on to the incipient
farmers of Huaca Prieta of Chicama, to the point at which the
farmers and seafood gatherers learned to build temples and
irrigations systems, such as that are to be found at Alto Salaverry.
The Cupisnique Culture is a result of a process initiated in the
pre-ceramic period and evidently represents the time of the highest
development of the formative Trujillo culture period. This can be
seen in the beautiful ceramic in its temples such as the Huaca of
the Kings, Huaca of the Sun and Moon at Moche’s valley. Moche
ceramics is famous for the beauty of its modeling and its
draftsmanship. Moche was interrupted by the Wari conquest, so after
the XI century developed a new culture, the Chimú with its
impressive capital "Chan Chan". It is considered as the largest clay
city in America before the arrival of the Spaniards. The Chimú
Kingdom, became a great empire dominating the land from Tumbes to
Supe, was the largest on the coast before the Inca domination. It is
to Inca Pachacútec and his son Túpac Yupanqui, that the invasion of
this kingdom is attributed. The Chimús surrendered but were
respected by the invaders who became allies. It is known that Chimús
were skilled goldsmiths and they influenced the art of the Incas.
The Inca domination did not go beyond 100 years. At the end of it
came the Spanish conquest.
Trujillo, the department's capital was founded in 1534 by Diego de
Almagro very close to the Pre-Columbian city of Chan-Chan. During
the Colonial period it became a resting place for the nobility and
hacienda owners. During the War of Independence Trujillo took the
site of the patriots and in 1820, when the news of the landing of
San Martín, spread it proclaimed independence.
In the Republican time during the War with Chile, the last battle
took place at Huamachuco. In 1932, under the Presidency of General
Luis Sánchez Cerro, a revolutionary up rise took place conducted by
civilians from the Haciendas and the valleys surrounding Trujillo.
La Libertad was cradle to Faustino Sánchez Carrión and César
Vallejo. Currently is one of the most developed departments in the
northern part of the country with a great increase in its agro
industrial sector.
Its capital, the City of Trujillo, has a great geographical
importance and a good location. It is the point where the Andean
Cordillera links to the Pacific Ocean, as a result of the direction
our coasts follow. The Andes first are seen from Trujillo, showing a
row of low elevation hills, but from there on the Andean Plateau
increases altitude sharply to the East, in the provinces of Otuzco
and Santiago de Chuco. These two provinces comprise the Pacific
hydrographic watersheds, which give rise to the Moche and Virú
rivers, to the south, and Chicama to the North. The
Province of Pacasmayo, located more to the north is a coastal
province. The Provincia of Huamachuco, to the east, belongs to the
Atlantic watershed.
In
the Department of La Libertad the coast and highlands are
equilibrated. Its large plains, where the sugar cane is cultivated,
give a shape of maritime littoral. Its near-by highlands give it a
first class mining category, mainly because of coal richness.
Immediately adjacent to the mining area there is a High Jungle zone
rich in gold and with a tropical climate. It has a mild climate and
its valleys are highly productive. It has lands yet to be irrigated
in valleys such as Virú. The coast offers natural ports such as the
Chicama port, whereas the Huanchaco port served during centuries as
a main landing port in that zone.
Currently, the modern port facilities of Salaverry, to the south of
Moche are a first class stimulus for the development of this
important department.
Its ruins are admired by thousands of visitors. Its beautiful Plaza
de Armas, the Cathedral, The Archbishop's Palace, the Seminary, the
House of Culture and the theaters are symbols of another culture,
the Spanish.
Trujillo, the capital, acts as an economical and cultural center and
offers to the tourist many attractive places such as its beaches. In
September it becomes the "World’s Capital of Spring".
The most general expression of northern people is "The Marinera", a
typical dance. In Trujillo, the most important competitions of that
dance are performed.
Fast facts:
Area or Surface:
24,795 KM².
Main Resources:
It
is the first sugar cane producer and the second in rice production
in Peru.
Population:
1,333,000 inhabitants. Its capital, Trujillo, has 247,028
inhabitants.
Number of Provinces and Districts:
12
provinces and 80 districts.
Date of Foundation:
As
department, February 12, 1821. |
