TOMÉ…

TOMÉ is a commune and city in Chile located in the province of Concepción, Biobío Region, in central Chile. It is part of the Greater Concepción metropolitan area. According to the 2017 census, it has approximately 54,946 inhabitants. It is the northernmost commune in the region. It borders the commune of Coelemu to the north, Ránquil and Florida to the east, Penco to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. One of the commune's most famous beach resorts, Dichato, is located in the north of the commune. Juan Bautista Pastene (an Italian sailor originally from Genoa) and his expedition were the first Europeans to sight Concepción Bay, where Tomé is located, in September 1544. According to historical reports, until 1835, Tomé was merely a deserted landscape temporarily occupied by fishermen. Population began after 1842, when wheat flour mills were established, utilizing the water from its estuaries to grind grain. Carts loaded with wheat arrived from San Rafael, Coelemu, and Chillán and were paid with a Tomé voucher. At the same time, the tanning, soap-making, and cooperage industries developed. In 1850, by decree of July 13, Tomé became the capital of the department of Coelemu. Thus, the Illustrious Municipality of Tomé was created, which administers the department of Coelemu locally. In 1858, on August 31, it was declared a "major port."