First railway opens in Chile

The Caldera-Copiapó railway, Chile's first, opened on May 28, 1853, connecting the port of Caldera to the silver mining center of Copiapó over 80 kilometers of challenging desert terrain. Engineered by William Wheelwright with British locomotives, it overcame arid conditions and steep grades using innovative grading techniques. This line boosted mining exports and economic growth, serving as a model for subsequent Andean railways and highlighting rail's role in resource development during the mid-19th century.