11 Facts About Policarpo Toro

Policarpo Toro enlisted in the Chilean Navy in 1871 and visited Easter Island in 1875.

Policarpo Toro was born on February 6,1856, in the city of Melipilla, Chile.

In 1873, Toro participated in an expedition to the Strait of Magellan to raise the plan of the city of Punta Arenas.

Policarpo Toro was deeply affected by the terrible living conditions of the islanders, who were suffering from the mistreatment of other expeditions searching for slaves and wealth.

Policarpo Toro was appointed professor at the Naval School in 1883, promoted to Lieutenant Commander, and held administrative positions in the Chilean Navy three years later.

In 1888, Policarpo Toro took official possession of the island on behalf of the State of Chile, culminating in a negotiation with the King of Atamu Tekena Island by signing an act of cession in Spanish and another in Rapanui mixed with Tahitian.

Policarpo Toro was appointed Director of the Escuela de Grumentes, where he applied all the knowledge he had acquired during his time in Great Britain.

However, during the Chilean civil war in 1891, Policarpo Toro remained loyal to President Balmaceda, leading to his arrest and subsequent release from the army.

Policarpo Toro was assigned a retirement worthy of his rank and past efforts by President Jorge Montt in 1893.

Policarpo Toro died in 1921, at the age of 65, in Santiago.

Policarpo Toro is remembered as the man who integrated Easter Island into the State of Chile, a significant achievement that helped to preserve the cultural and natural heritage of the island.