Sewell

Sewell
Ghost town
Sewell
View of Sewell View of Sewell
Coordinates:
Country	Chile
Region	Valparaíso
Province	San Felipe de Aconcagua
Commune	Llay-Llay
Founded	1905
Founded by	Braden Copper Company
Named for	Edward Sewell
Area
• Total	0.5 km2 (0.2 sq mi)
Elevation	2,200 m (7,200 ft)
Population
• Total	0
• Density	0.0/km2 (0.0/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC-4 (CLT)
Area code(s)	+56 34
Website	www.sewell.cl

Sewell is a ghost town located in the Llay-Llay commune of the San Felipe de Aconcagua Province in the Valparaíso Region of Chile. It was founded in 1905 by the Braden Copper Company and named after Edward Sewell, the company's president at the time. Sewell is situated at an elevation of 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level and covers an area of 0.5 square kilometers (0.19 square miles).

History

Sewell was established as a mining town to support the operations of the Braden Copper Company. The town quickly grew in size as workers and their families moved to the area. At its peak, Sewell had a population of over 15,000 people. It was known for its modern infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and recreational facilities, which were considered advanced for the time.

The main economic activity in Sewell was copper mining. The town was built around the El Teniente mine, one of the largest underground copper mines in the world. The mine produced significant amounts of copper, which contributed to Chile's position as one of the leading copper producers globally.

Decline and abandonment

In the 1970s, the Braden Copper Company decided to relocate its operations to a more accessible location. This led to the gradual decline of Sewell as the mine and associated facilities were shut down. The town was officially abandoned in 1977, and the remaining residents were relocated to nearby towns.

Preservation and UNESCO World Heritage Site

Despite its abandonment, Sewell has been preserved as a historical site due to its unique architectural and cultural value. In 1998, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its significance as a well-preserved example of an early 20th-century mining town.

Today, Sewell is open to visitors who can explore the town's streets, buildings, and mining facilities. The site offers guided tours that provide insights into the town's history and the mining operations that once took place there. The preserved buildings showcase the architectural style of the time, with influences from both European and American design.

See also

• El Teniente
• Mining in Chile
• List of ghost towns

External links

• Official website of Sewell
• UNESCO World Heritage Site - Sewell