Pizarro history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the settlement now known as Pizarro is closely linked to the exploration of the Pacific coast. Initially, the settlement was named "Bocas de Bao", which translates as "Mouths of the Barbudo" (named after a local species of fish). The official founding date of the municipality of Bajo Baudó, of which Pizarro is the administrative centre, is considered to be March 8, 1821. The town received its modern name later, likely in memory of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro, whose expeditions explored these shores in the early 16th century.

Key Factors of Development

The development of Pizarro was predetermined by its unique geographical position in Colombia. The town was shaped by several important factors:

• Geography: Its location at the mouth of the Baudó River (Río Baudó) made the settlement a natural port and trade hub connecting inland river routes with the Pacific Ocean.
• Transport Accessibility: Due to the absence of land roads, the river and the ocean became the only arteries for connection with the outside world, turning Pizarro into a key logistical point in the region.
• Natural Resources: The richness of the coastal waters and dense tropical forests provided the first settlers with the necessary resources for survival and trade.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the moment of its inception, Pizarro developed as a typical settlement of the "people of the water." For centuries, the town's economy was built on artisanal fishing and timber harvesting. The cultural character of the settlement was formed through the close intertwining of the traditions of Afro-Colombian communities and indigenous peoples (particularly the Emberá). This multicultural environment gave rise to unique local customs, music, and gastronomy that are preserved to this day.

Major Historical Milestones

• Pre-1500: The territory at the mouth of the Baudó River is inhabited by the indigenous Emberá and Wounaan peoples, engaged in fishing and gathering.
• 1525–1526: Expeditions of the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, after whom the town would later be named, pass along the Pacific coast.
• 1821 (March 8): Official founding date of the municipality of Bajo Baudó, with Pizarro becoming its administrative centre.
• 1851 (May 21): The final abolition of slavery in Colombia contributes to the growth of free Afro-Colombian settlements in the region.
• 1947 (November 3): The town becomes part of the newly formed Department of Chocó, which separated from the Department of Cauca.
• 1950s: Establishment of the town as a key river and sea port for the export of timber and agricultural produce.
• 1970s: Construction of the local airport, opening opportunities for regular air connections with Quibdó and Cali.
• 1991 (July 4): Adoption of the country's new Constitution, recognizing the special rights of ethnic groups on the Pacific coast.
• 1993 (August 27): Approval of Law 70, legally securing the rights of Afro-Colombian communities to collective land ownership.
• 2000s: Implementation of infrastructure projects to reinforce the coastline and modernize the docks.
• 2010s: Strengthening measures to protect the unique ecosystem of mangrove forests surrounding the town.
• Present Day: Pizarro continues to develop as an important administrative and cultural centre in the southern part of the Chocó Department.

Key Stages of Development and Their Significance

The history of Pizarro's formation as an important regional centre is inextricably linked to the development of natural resources and overcoming geographical isolation. Here are the main milestones that defined the town's modern economic and architectural appearance:

• Confirmation of Administrative Status. Becoming the centre of the Bajo Baudó municipality gave the town an impetus to create centralized infrastructure. This attracted government investment and facilitated the establishment of educational and medical institutions necessary for the growing population.
• Establishment as a River Port. Its strategic position at the river mouth turned the settlement into the region's main logistics hub. The development of docks and warehouse zones allowed for the efficient transport of cargo by water, linking remote communities with the markets of Colombia.
• Timber Boom. In the mid-20th century, the extraction of valuable timber species became a driver of the local economy. This period was characterized by an influx of labour, the expansion of city limits, and the formation of a commercial sector oriented towards resource exports.
• Agricultural Specialization. The transition to large-scale rice cultivation secured the region's status as one of the agricultural breadbaskets of the Chocó Department. The development of rice farming stabilized the town's economy, reducing the residents' dependence on seasonal fishing.
• Airport Opening. The construction of the runway radically changed transport accessibility. Air travel provided a fast link to major cities, which became critical for trade and emergency services in the absence of land roads.
• Cultural and Legal Recognition. The adoption of legislation regarding the rights of Afro-Colombian communities in the 1990s (Law 70) gave the town a new social direction. This strengthened local self-governance and allowed residents to legally manage their lands while preserving unique traditions.
• Coastal Engineering Protection. The implementation of projects to reinforce the coastline and build breakwaters was a significant urban planning step. These measures increased the safety of residential areas suffering from tides and allowed for the planning of long-term development of the waterfront zone.

Architectural Appearance and Environmental Adaptation

The architecture of Pizarro is a vivid example of how urban planning submits to the harsh conditions of the humid tropics and the Pacific coast. Unlike colonial centres deep inland, you will not find monumental stone or lavish Baroque here. The town's appearance is shaped by the necessity of survival amidst regular tides, floods of the Baudó River, and high humidity. It is a realm of functionality and vernacular engineering, where every building "learns" to coexist with water.

Traditional Architecture: Pacific Style

Historically, the dominant style in the town is vernacular (folk) architecture, adapted to the climate of the Chocó region. The main features of this direction can be traced in the residential buildings of the old quarters:

• Stilt Constructions (Palafitos): The most recognizable feature of the local landscape. Houses are built on high wooden stilts to protect living spaces from fluctuations in water levels and to ensure natural ventilation from below.
• Materials: Traditionally, rot-resistant local timber and palm leaves for roofs were used. In the 20th century, leaves were replaced by zinc sheets, which became an integral part of the town's visual code.
• Layout: Houses often feature open verandas and large windows without glass (using shutters or grilles) for maximum ventilation in the hot climate.

Modern Development and Functionalism

With the development of its administrative status, elements of modern functionalism began to appear in Pizarro. This stage, which began in the second half of the 20th century, is characterized by a transition from wood to more durable materials in public construction:

• Administrative Buildings: The town hall and government institutions are built of concrete and brick. They stand out against the wooden buildings due to their massiveness and simple geometric forms.
• Infrastructure Objects: A crucial element of urban planning has been the reinforcement of the coastline. Concrete breakwaters and dams not only protect the town but also form public spaces.

Landmarks and Urban Environment

Pizarro's urban structure is linear and oriented towards the water arteries—the river and the ocean. Several objects form the recognizable appearance of the town within Colombia:

• Main Church: Usually the tallest and most substantial structure in the centre, serving as a landmark and community gathering place. Its architecture is generally simple and concise, combining modern materials with traditional nave forms.
• Boardwalk (Malecón): This is not just a hydraulic structure but the town's main social centre. Commercial life, walking areas, and spots for spontaneous trade are concentrated here, linking the urban environment with the aquatic element.
• Airport Zone: Located within the town limits, the runway serves as a distinct urban planning vector around which modern logistical and warehouse infrastructure is formed.

Historical Figures and Modern Leaders

The history of the town of Pizarro and the entire municipality of Bajo Baudó is inextricably linked both with the Age of Discovery and with modern leaders who preserve the region's unique culture. Below are key figures who have left their mark on the chronicles of this corner of Colombia.

• Francisco Pizarro
  Conquistador and Explorer
  The Spanish conqueror after whom the town is named. In the 1520s, he led expeditions along the Pacific coast, exploring the river mouths and bays of the region in search of a route to Peru. His voyages opened these lands to European cartography.
• Diego de Almagro
  Conquistador and Pizarro's Companion
  Francisco Pizarro's closest associate, who took an active part in the first reconnaissance expeditions along the rivers and mangrove forests of Chocó. His detachments explored the terrain, establishing the first, often complex, contacts with the indigenous population.
• Bartolomé Ruiz
  Pilot and Navigator
  An outstanding seafarer who served as the chief pilot in Pizarro's expeditions. He was the first to map the coastline of Bajo Baudó in detail, making safe navigation in these waters possible for future generations.
• Pascual de Andagoya
  Chronicler and Governor
  One of the first explorers of the Pacific coast and a predecessor to Pizarro. In his chronicles, he described the geography and peoples of the San Juan River basin and adjacent territories, which include modern-day Bajo Baudó.
• Nayely Waitotó Salas
  Librarian and Cultural Leader
  A contemporary public figure in Pizarro. Known for her work in preserving oral traditions and promoting reading among the youth. Her activities aim to unite the Afro-Colombian and indigenous heritage of the region.
• Teresa Flórez
  Cultural Manager and Guardian of Traditions
  Leader of a foundation dedicated to preserving the intangible heritage of the municipality. She plays a key role in popularizing traditional knowledge, particularly the production technology of "viche" (a traditional sugar cane beverage) as an element of cultural identity.