As Governor of Chile
As governor of Chile, one of the most troublesome, poor, and remote of Spanish outposts, O'Higgins was extremely active, promoting the construction of a definitive road between the capital Santiago and the port of Valparaiso (part of the layout of which is still in use today), continued the building of the Palacio de la Moneda in Santiago; founded cities and improved roads, and erected permanent dikes along the banks of the Mapocho river which regularly flooded Santiago. In 1789 he founded the city of San Ambrosio de Ballenar.
He focused on developing the resources of the country, with an enlightened policy that accomplished much for Spanish interest, but also paved the way for later events in the country's history. He improved communications and trade with other Spanish colonies, based on a growing agricultural base. He abolished the encomienda system whereby natives were forced to work the land for the crown, an act reinforced by royal decree in 1791. He was made lieutenant-general in 1794.
Read more about this topic: Ambrosio O'Higgins, 1st Marquis Of Osorno
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