Humans began populating Patagonia about 8,000 years ago, when groups of semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers roamed across its lands and seas.
The various peoples of this area coexisted: the Kawésqars or Alakalufes; the Aónikenks or Patagones; the Sélknams and the Yaganes. All of these groups successfully adapted to the tough surroundings. Their ways of life were simple, although they included rich religious and artistic expressions.
In 1520, in addition to leading the first European expedition to southern South America, Hernando de Magallanes discovered a natural passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the Strait of Magellan –named in honor of the first European to travel there– became the most important route between the largest oceans in the world.
The local people who, with exceptional creativity, had adjusted to life in the difficult climatic conditions of Patagonia, were unable to withstand the economic exploitation and diseases brought by white men in the 19th century.
Over the course of the 20th century the indigenous peoples, who for thousands of years had been the masters of these lands and seas, simply faded away. In 1966 Lola Kiepja, the last Sélknam shaman to live according to the traditions of her ancestral culture, died at the age of 89.
Travel to Patagonia and you will learn that by the end of the 19th century, demand for wool to supply the British textile industry focused the Patagonian economy on livestock rearing, especially sheep farming. Vast livestock ranches, or estancias, were set up in the broad green valleys of the pampa and many of them remain here to this day.
SAILING AT WORLD'S END: THE CAP HORNIER
Cape Horn –the southernost tip of Tierra del Fuego– was first visited in 1616 by Dutch explorer and trader Jacob Le Maire, who was searching for an alternative to the Spanish-controlled Strait of Magellan, in order to trade with the Far East.
Over time, the colossal winds and waves of this passage became a trial by fire for even the most seasoned mariners in the world.
In 1937, in the French port of Saint Malo, the Amicale Internationale des Capitaines au Long Cours Cap Horniers was established.
This brought together a select group of master mariners who, bearing more courage than technology, had all rounded Cape Horn under sail.
The spirit of Saint Malo with its celebration of loyalty, courage, decisiveness and leadership abilities spread and branches of the organization were founded in Chile, Australia, Finland, Great Britain, New Zealand, Norway and the Netherlands.
