Muelle Salitrero Compañía Melbourne Clark, Historical pier monument in Antofagasta, Chile.
Muelle Salitrero Compañía Melbourne Clark is a historic port facility in Antofagasta built from 1872 to 1880 that extends into San Jorge Bay. The structure displays its original wooden construction with preserved shipping equipment and allows visitors to explore the industrial infrastructure of that mining era.
The facility was constructed between 1872 and 1880 and served mainly to ship saltpeter from the region. It also played a military role in 1879 when it was used as a landing point for Chilean troops.
This structure stands as a symbol of the mining boom that shaped northern Chile, when saltpeter from the region was shipped around the world. The preserved pier helps visitors understand how trade and industry were central to local life during that era.
The pier is accessible during daylight hours and offers sturdy walkways for strolling and viewing the sea. There are observation areas along the sides and at various points where visitors can watch the water and bay with its historic port operations.
During a 2015 restoration, the original locomotive rails that once carried saltpeter sacks were carefully preserved. The facility was also outfitted with modern lighting that illuminates the old cranes and structures at night, giving them a fresh appearance.
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